There is something about shopping at a locally owned business that just feels right to us. Perhaps because we are locally owned. But we think it is because there is a uniqueness to each store. And there is a family-like relationship between the owners and the regulars.
What We Think Makes a Local Business Special
We feel our customers are like an extended family. We love to help young dancers find their first set of tights and leotards, and take special pride in our ability to fit those going on pointe for the time. The best part is watching little children grow into elegant young men and women who enjoy developing their art.
Shopping Local By the Numbers
Just to see how small business stacks up against the chains as a place to shop, we asked Downtown MainStreet and the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce if they had any information about how local small businesses stack up against the big boys.
You see, small business has long been the backbone of America. According to the Chamber, small businesses create 64% of net private sector new jobs every.
MainStreet gave us a few more research facts about shopping local small business. First and foremost, it is healthier for the community, and for the economy. Here are ten more reasons why we appreciate our customers supporting our small local business:
- For every $100 spent at a local store, $68 stays in the local economy. When you spend $100 at a national chain, only $43 stays in the economy. If you shop online, none of the taxes support the local economy, unless the business is local.
- Small business creates 3.5x more wealth for the local economy.
- Local business donates 250% more to local charities.
- Small business generates 70% more local economic activity per square foot than a big box store.
- Sales taxes are reinvested locally.
- Shopping local supports entrepreneurship, artisans, farmers, and small batch makers.
- More unique items are available at local small business.
- Local stores with unique products and/or services become destinations, thereby contributing to other such stores by drawing visitors from outside the community.
- Those working in small business are more invested in their customers and product information.
- Small business is more involved in their community.
How Can You Help Small Business?
Shopping local is the way we can all help small businesses. Encourage friends and business associates to shop local. The internet is a great thing, but sometimes it’s good to get out into the world and see what’s happening. New dancers and their parents can connect on a human level to those with experience in our shop.
Drive down the block and see what The Dance Store has to offer – you will save the earth by producing less packaging and use less fuel than a truck or plane transporting something across the county.
Or, if you really want to shop online, many small businesses have shopping sites. The Dance Store sells many items online through Shopify.
During the holidays, do your shopping on Small Business Saturday. According to the website Grasshopper, it was created by American Express “to support the small businesses that keep our nation running.” They saw a 23% increase in sales in small businesses the first year. You see, small business makes up 40% of all retail businesses in the country.
Hope this gives you a little better understanding of what supporting us and small local businesses like us is so important.
Thank you for supporting us!