The Benefits of Shopping Local
Did you know that 20% of the sales tax from every purchase made in the Village of Hoffman Estates goes back to funding critical services like fire, public safety, snow removal and health services? While it may seem like a small amount, that 20% adds up over time and makes a big difference. Your support of our local businesses helps to keep our local economy vital and thriving. Many residents are unaware that Hoffman Estates is home to many of the big box retailers and grocery chains that are also available in neighboring communities. Often residents are driving further away to get to one of those retailers when a Hoffman Estates based retail location is nearby.
Additionally, Hoffman Estates is fortunate to be home to a myriad of other locally owned retail stores and restaurants. When you shop at locally owned establishments, 68% of the money you spend stays in Hoffman Estates! Furthermore, small businesses are the largest employers in the country which means that there are many opportunities to grow jobs in the region right in our own backyard. These small businesses not only employ our friends and family members, but they are also avid supporters of local initiatives like youth sports, educational programs and so much more.
Buy Local Tips from Barbara Wold International
Posted on January 10, 2012
1. Shopping local creates jobs. Shops in your town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy.
2. Local independent shops invest more in your communities. Local businesses are proportionally more generous in their support of local charities, schools, and community events. So supporting local shops means a financial contribution to your community. 3. Local shops sell great products at affordable prices. Some people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products available. 4. Shopping locally saves you time and money. You travel less, saving on time and fuel. 5. Shopping locally retains your communities. People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns but don’t equate this with how they spend their money. 6. Shopping locally retains your distinctiveness. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet changing population needs. 7. Shopping locally saves the environment. Local shops often stock a high percentage of locally sourced goods that do not require long-distance transportation, helping to reduce our global footprint. 8. Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily. This is especially important for the elderly, young people and others who rely on public transportation. 9. Local shops value you more. Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service. 10. Shopping local saves services. Private and public sector services cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants and other businesses. Consumers can pledge to Think, Shop, Buy, Local and commit to patronizing businesses near where they live and work. Local stores employ your neighbors, pay taxes that support your schools and improve your roads, and contribute to local non-profit groups.
Together we can strengthen relationships that improve our quality of life. So next time before you make a purchase, Think, Shop, Buy, Local.
Barbara Wold bwold@ix.netcom.com 949.675.8845
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a complete list of businesses in Hoffman Estates click here to go to the Business Directory web page on the Village's web site.
For a complete list of businesses in Hoffman Estates click to go to the Business Directory web page on the .
If you are a business owner or considering locating your business in Hoffman Estates please visit the Shop Local Business Toolkit page for valuable information.
For more information, contact Economic Development Director Gary Skoog at 847-781-2662, or by email at Gary.Skoog@hoffmanestates.org.