Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

'Tis the season to shop locally and spread the 'merry'

I’ve written before about the importance of a thriving downtown. The health and sense of community are a direct reflection of the health of a town’s main shopping area. When residents support local merchants, they in turn support Fallbrook.

Below is a list of reasons to shop locally, during the holidays and everyday, taken from the American Independent Business Alliance.

By shopping locally, residents build community. The casual encounters enjoyed at neighborhood-scale businesses and the public spaces around them build relationships and community cohesiveness. They’re the ultimate social networking sites.

It strengthens the local economy. Each dollar spent at independent businesses returns three times more money to the local economy than one spent at a chain and almost 50 percent more than buying from an online mega-retailer – a benefit everyone can bank on.

It shapes people’s character. Independent businesses help give the community its distinct personality.

Residents can buy it where they try it. Local stores enable shoppers to try on and try out items before they buy – and get real expertise – saving time and money.

It creates a healthier environment. Independent, community-serving businesses are people-sized. They typically consume less land, carry more locally-made products, locate closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution.

It provides local taxes. More efficient land use and more central locations mean local businesses put less demand on roads, sewers and safety services. They also generate more tax revenue per sales dollar.

Shopping locally is real value for residents. Reader surveys by the Consumers Union repeatedly show independent businesses beating their chain competitors in saving locals time and often money.

Shoppers have enhanced choices. A wide variety of independent businesses, each serving their customers’ tastes, creates greater overall choice for everyone.

It increases the wealth of residents. The multiplier effect created by spending locally generates lasting impact on the prosperity of local organizations and residents.

It create local jobs and opportunities. Not only do independent businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue, they also are the customers of local printers, accountants, wholesalers, farms, attorneys, etc., expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

It is a way to give back to the community. Small businesses donate more than twice as much per sales dollar to local nonprofits, events and teams compared to big businesses.

It enhances the local government. Local ownership of business means residents with roots in the community are involved in key development decisions that shape people’s lives and local environment.

It also enhances health of residents. Research shows a strong correlation between the percentage of small locally owned firms and various indicators of personal and community health and vitality.

The bottom line is that shopping locally is good for residents, for Fallbrook and really feels good. Merry Christmas.

Kim Murphy can be reached at [email protected] or (760) 415-9292 or at 130 N. Main Ave. in Fallbrook. Her broker license is #01229921, and she is on the board of directors for the California Association of Realtors.

 

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