4 Good Reasons to Shop Local

We're not quite out of September, but already we're gearing up for the holidays in a big way. Since opening our home store here in Nashville, one of the things we've become most passionate about is shopping locally--both shopping locally made goods and from locally sold vendors. We don't say this to be self-serving, but because we now feel we can truly speak to the power of being local, thinking local, and buying local--in other words, putting your money where your home is. Here are some of the best reasons to shop locally:

1) You'll support the businesses you love. This is the most obvious reason; spend your money at the shops and businesses that you want to see thrive and with the people who treat you kindly and thoughtfully. Anthropologie and Pier 1 Imports probably won't miss your business if you stop shopping there. If you stopped shopping with us--or at any other number of local businesses--we'd notice; they'd notice. And we'd feel it. 

2) You'll support your community at large. Studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, more of your money will be used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farms. You have to think where your dollar goes—not only is it going to the vendor, it’s going to the help, to the people they’re buying stuff from, to the utility company, and the landlord and so on. Nashville’s booming, but without people spending money here it wouldn’t be.
 
3) You'll buy from someone who knows you. Mom and Pop business owners know their audience well and their city better. We personally tailor our merchandise to you--what we're hearing you say you want and how we're seeing you furnish your homes. Local businesses tend to offer a more curated selection of merchandise that is more likely to hit the right notes with you and your community.

4) You'll take home something that's one-of-a-kind and have a unique experience. You can go almost anywhere in the world now and go to Wal-Mart, and they have the same stuff and the same business tactics as everybody else. Seeking out local stores is the only way you’re going to find a unique experience; this is true at home and when traveling.  Local businesses smack of a local flavor, and more often carry goods that no one else can get. This exclusivity is attractive to buyers. 

There are 28 million small businesses in the U.S. alone. We encourage you to visit some you've never been to, along with some of your old favorites, and show them your support this holiday season.