Why support local businesses?
By KRISTEN HOOPER
Peabody Main Street director
All across the country communities are struggling to compete with strip malls, discount centers, and one-stop shopping at Wal-Mart. Communities with downtown districts are no exception. It is understandable to take advantage of the conveniences provided by these big-box businesses. However, these shopping districts have no heritage, no culture, and most importantly, no tie to the local community in which they serve.
Some would argue there is no need to make an effort to shop locally; that one person doesn't make a difference in the survival of a downtown business or the entire district. I disagree.
Why is it important to shop in your community? There are numerous reasons. First, your local shopping district is more than just a shopping center. It is where local people have invested their time and money to enhance the community by providing products or services to you, the local resident.
These people understand that it is important for a community to offer conveniences to its citizens in order to provide the community the opportunity of continued growth.
When a business is a local independent business the profits stay here in our town while chain businesses send profits out of town, out of the county, and possibly out of state.
Second, local businesses support other local businesses by helping keep dollars flowing locally. A single dollar exchanged through local hands is recycled (on average) through five other local hands, including city taxes, employee wages, and purchase of additional materials from other local businesses before being transferred out of town in order to import additional goods.
Third and most importantly, local businesses support local community projects and local entities, such as the thermal imaging camera campaign, schools, teams, churches, scout troops, etc.
Our community has a lot to offer: groceries, services, gifts, home décor, books, furniture, antiques, Peabody memorabilia, and more.
If you are unsure of what to buy that hard-to-buy-for person, most businesses offer gift certificates. Peabody Bucks are always available at the city office and may be redeemed at any local business.
I am not saying that all purchases can be made locally. Some items are simply not available, but we should take the time to realize all that is offered. In addition to adding to the character of this town, these businesses work hard to provide a variety of products and services for the citizens of Peabody. Local businesses offer individual attention and quality customer service while bringing life to our historic downtown district.
With the holiday season approaching rapidly and gas prices soaring, take the time to make a conscious effort to shop here in Peabody.
Everyone works hard for their money and now is the time to make your money work hard for you. Your money will go farther locally than it will outside of our community. Spending your dollar locally reinvests your dollar in your community and demonstrates your support for the vitality of our community.
I challenge you this holiday season to be aware of the local impact of your dollar; and I challenge each citizen to venture to our downtown stores and rediscover what Peabody has to offer
