As we observe another Small Business Shopping Day, I am asking you to consider shopping local every day, not just one day a year. Cheshire has so many wonderful, unique local businesses. Think of R.W. Hine Ace Hardware, The Red Owl, Cheshire Sports Center or DW Gem Services, along with some fabulous restaurants. They need your support to survive.
As a new business owner in Cheshire, I have realized something. Many of my customers are people I know who live in town, and they know I am not going anywhere, provided they continue to support my business. So keep your local stores and restaurants here by supporting them whenever possible.
Why Shopping Local Matters in Cheshire
Why shop local when you can buy things on the internet or at the big box stores? First, the businesses in your community care about the community and its future. They consistently support local causes, whether it is a charity, a team or a school. You will not find the internet companies and big box stores doing that.
Second, items are not always cheaper in the bigger stores or online. I have seen better quality and less expensive items right here in Cheshire, and the owners are happy to help me.
Third, you get much better, more personal service in a local store. Try asking a salesperson a question about an item in a big store, if you can find one. You probably will not get a good answer. Online, there is usually nobody to ask, so you rely on reviews. Who knows how accurate those are? Local stores, on the other hand, go out of their way to make sure their customers are happy. After all, many of those customers are their neighbors.
Local owners also know their customers. Because of that, they can make sure you are satisfied with your purchase, and they can suggest items you may not have thought of.
Returns, Your Town and Your Neighbors
What happens if you buy something and it is not the right item? A local store will typically take it back and make sure you get what you need. If you bought it online, you have to box it up, ship it out and lose the shipping charges you paid.
Buying local also improves your economy, because most local businesses support other local businesses. A recent study showed that for every $100 spent in a local store, $68 stays in that town or city. For larger retail stores, only $43 of each $100 stays. Keeping the money in this community helps all of us.
Finally, when you know the people who own a local business, you have a personal connection with them. You should root for their success.
How to Make Shopping Local a Habit
Local businesses are the heart of smaller towns like Cheshire. Support them year-round, not just on one Saturday in November. We need these businesses to keep our town unique and special, so support them every day.
When you are ready to shop local for jewelry, we can help with jewelry repair, appraisals, custom designs and estate jewelry. Contact us to set up an appointment.