Shopping at small, local businesses is always one of the best ways to support your community. Listed below, you’ll find many reasons to take your business to smaller, independent stores. However, there is a more urgent need now as the downtown Garland square construction is in full swing. The renovations will take a couple of years and make some of the businesses a little more difficult to get to.
So, please support our local downtown Garland businesses through this time. All the shops, restaurants and other businesses will remain open through the construction. It might take a little more effort to get to them or to find a parking space. However, these local merchants are vital to our community and to our economy.
Downtown square construction will be completed in four phases. Each will last about six months. In this first phase, Fifth Street and Main are blocked near the square. As areas are finished blockages will rotate to the other sides. Beyond the square, up to 14 blocks of streetscapes are being improved in the downtown area. That work is starting along parts of State, Avenue A and Seventh streets.
Updated information on parking and resources for business and property owners are available at GarlandTX.gov/DowntownConstruction.
Below are some of the reasons why it’s so important to support independent businesses.
You’ll help create jobs in the community.
Money spent in the community will go back into it in the form of creating employment opportunities. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses in America account for more than half of all sales in the U.S. and have provided more than half of all jobs.
Your tax dollars stay local.
Shopping at small businesses keeps money in the community. More than 78% of the revenues of independent restaurants go back into the community in comparison to just more than 30% of chain restaurants’ revenues. Research also indicates that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $73 stays in the local economy. The same $100 spent at non-locally owned businesses results in $43 staying in the local community.
Small businesses give back to the community.
Small businesses are often the ones that sponsor sports teams, give support to local schools and help fund community projects. So, by supporting a local business, you are supporting your town.
Shopping at one local business helps other local businesses.
By shopping at a business in the neighborhood, you’ll most likely stop by other independent retailers in the vicinity. Additionally, some small businesses tend to offer products that are made locally, which creates a ripple effect in the local economy.
Small businesses offer more unique products.
Locally made items perfect for gift giving are available at local shops. Additionally, small businesses have access to the same vendors as big box stores and can usually get products you want or need if you ask. They are usually more willing to order them for you.
Friendlier, more personal service.
Small business owners work hard to survive and one of the biggest advantages they have over large retailers is the ability to provide more personable, hands-on, and individual customer service. They are more likely to cater to customers and special-order products for them.
How to help.
Shop at small, local businesses and encourage friends and family to do the same. Share information about your favorite independent restaurants and stores on social media and write positive reviews on sites such as Yelp for small businesses you visit. If a local business has a loyalty program, be sure to sign up for discounts and rewards so that you and the small business will benefit.
Sources:
http://www.metrofamilymagazine.com/February-2013/15-Reasons-to-Shop-Locally/
https://blog.fivestars.com/shop-small-businesses-every-day/
http://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/small-business-saturday/
https://co-opcreditunions.org/6-really-important-reasons-to-shop-on-small-business-saturday/