Did you know that Ace Hardware stores are all locally owned? They are vital small businesses that are essential to your local community. As a society, we are used to shopping online all over the world but, using local businesses can be even more convenient! No more waiting for items to arrive, no risk of losing a package, and items can be inspected before purchasing, for example. Shopping locally has become increasingly popular over the years because of the desire to build a sense of community within large areas. There are several benefits to shopping local versus shopping at large chain stores. This article will talk about a few.
Keep the community’s money…in the community.
There are far-reaching advantages to deciding to “shop locally.” By supporting local businesses, you are in turn supporting your local economy; significantly more money stays in a community when purchases are made at locally owned – rather than nationally owned – businesses.
Local businesses like Ace Hardware are highly likely to use local banks and other service providers to handle their business operations. This includes things like obtaining inventory, utilities, and equipment which ensures that money spent there is re-circulated throughout local areas. According to studies conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, 48% of each purchase at a local independent business is re-circulated throughout a local community, as compared to only 14% from chain stores and businesses.
The small business impact on a local community’s economic growth is present in the form of tax collection, as well. Did you know local businesses charge sales tax based on their location and can even be the backbone of special taxation focused on unique projects, like preserving historic landmarks or improving shopping districts, which will continuously drive the community economy forward?
Local Jobs
Small businesses facilitate local economic growth through the creation of valuable local jobs for people with specific skills. According to The Wall Street Journal, 54% of small businesses will be hiring workers over the next year. This is amazing and shows the shift of what people want for their communities, especially younger generations.
Small businesses also tend to attract talent who invents new products or implement new solutions for existing ideas. Larger businesses often benefit from small businesses within the same local community for the same reason. Many large corporations also depend on small businesses for the completion of various business functions through outsourcing.
Small Businesses Can Adapt
Because small businesses like Ace Hardware are very customer-oriented and understand the needs of the community, they can easily adapt to local economic changes. People remain loyal to their favorite small businesses, even when times are tough. This loyalty ensures that these businesses stay afloat during an economic crisis, which in turn strengthens the community.
Stay Unique
Would you really want your home to look like everyone else’s in America? Wouldn’t it be great to have a home full of special, unique things, rather than the basic stuff? When you shop at a local Ace Hardware, you are exposed to local treasures at every location that cannot be found elsewhere. In Colorado Springs, each Ace location is known for carrying different locally made items from our garden centers to our propane refills. This drives the community through its doors day after day. It always feels special buying from neighbors.
What’s great is that stores like Ace Hardware also thrive on getting to know who their neighbors are, and what they all ultimately want. They are familiar with the local climate, the products that locals have trouble finding, and have the expertise needed to take care of specific needs in different areas of their cities.
Although many chain businesses have good customer service, you cannot beat the personal touch of a local owner who knows everyone in the neighborhood. They can offer you a product that is suitable for you, your house, and even your area. Building relationships between a local business owner and the local customer go further than just a purchase.
Independent businesses are run by people, not by boards, stockholders, or algorithms. As they are run by local people and you will oftentimes find that the business or shop buildings tend to keep in touch with the general aesthetic of the area, adding character to the community and a touch of warm, welcoming personality. This natural authenticity will always be more popular than a chain, no matter where in the country.
Join Your Community
Over the last several years, there has been a shift in consumer purchasing behavior. And no, we’re not talking about an increase in online shopping. We’re talking about consumers getting out from behind their computer screens and walking down the street to make purchases in their local community. Rather than shopping at large, big-box stores or retail websites, many consumers have chosen to shop at small, locally-owned shops and stores.
This is a movement we fully support, and we encourage others to get behind it. If you have never come into one of your local Ace Hardware stores in Colorado Springs, then you are missing out on an opportunity to help shape your community while enjoying the convenience and comfort of keeping it local.
