Why Buy Locally Owned
There are many customers who buy from locally owned and operated businesses because they like to support small businesses in the community. While this is itself a great reason to do so, there are several other reasons you might consider next time you are looking to make a purchase.
The first reason is that small business owners have the freedom to choose what products they offer. Unlike the Big Box stores, independent retailers are not beholden to any corporate mandates or efforts to stock only the cheapest products in all of their stores. In order to meet the price requirements of the home centers, manufacturers are forced to cut corners on their production. Meaning the same name products at the Big Box stores, are not made using the full process as those sold in local retailers. Therefore the displays and products in small businesses are often higher quality, better suited to your specific area, and what the store owner would put in their own home (if they haven’t already). Another great reason to shop locally is that the employees are often more knowledgeable. Stores like Home Depot and Lowes frequently move sales associates between departments. Meaning the person selling floors one week is selling hammers the next, and lighting the week after. Add on their above average turnover rate, and at the Big Box stores you are very unlikely to work with the same sales associate from start to finish. In comparison, independent retailers are often family owned and operated meaning they are literally raised in the industry. The staff that they hire outside of their family, they tend to treat like family and give more support. Oftentimes they are trained by the owner or a long time employee, they often stay with the company for many years, and become experts within their own right.
Yet another reason to look local for your next project, is that if something does go wrong they are far more willing and able to work to make it right. Unlike corporate America, Mom and pop shops can not afford to throw money at television, radio, or digital ads. Word of mouth, positive reviews, are paramount to their continued success. They take pride in their work, their livelihood, and want to do everything they can to make a customer happy. Go look at the Google Reviews for a local store and compare them to your local home centers. You will find the average stars, the reviews themselves are far more positive and encouraging. Beyond that, the negative reviews are far more likely to have
been addressed and resolved. Home centers have strict policies when it comes to handling claims. Independent retailers are independent to do what is right.
When it comes to doing a project, you want to make sure you get the best product, best service, and best support. That is why you should always buy local. Big Box may have selection, but at what cost. Support the stores that support your community.
