The Power of Buying Local
Investing In Your Community
Some things cannot be reproduced. That friendly face that greets you when you walk in the door. The owner who knows your preferences and just happened to order what you needed at the right time. The feeling of belonging cannot be replicated in big box stores or online. These are the connections that we are all craving.
But buying local means more than knowing where your local products are sourced or that feeling of connection. It also makes sense economically in our community.
Salem, Oregon is a big, little town. Big enough to attract tourists, events, and keep our residents well clothed, fed, and entertained. But also small enough to run into friends, teachers, and neighbors downtown. We are surrounded by bounty from the vineyards and fields that we harvest, and the various businesses that we patron.
Now, more than ever we need to invest in our downtown businesses to keep our city vibrant, diverse, and economically stable. Not only do these connections feel good. They pencil out.
Reinvest in Salem
Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.
Create Jobs
Small businesses accounted for 65% of all net new jobs over the past 17 years.
Employment Opportunites
Small businesses employ 77 million Americans.
Boost Local Economy
89% of consumers agree that independent businesses contribute positively to local economies.
Higher Home Values
Residential neighborhoods served by a successful independent business district gained, on average, 50% more in home values than their citywide markets.
Sources: Small Business Administration; Intuit Small Business Innovation Study; American Express OPEN Independent Retail Index; Civic Economics/American Booksellers Assoc., U.S. Dept. of Labor