10 reasons why you should shop locally every chance you get!

1. Keep your money in your community.
Did you know that for every $100 you spend at a local store $68 stays in the community? If you shop at a franchise only $43 returns to the community. That's money that could have gone to your child's education, fixing that pothole on your street or building a new city park!

2. Our neighborhood matters!
Local business owners invest in their community and have a vested interest in it's future. Without you and the neighborhood they can't and wouldn't exist.

3. Support community organizations.
Local businesses are more likely to contribute and participate in helping local charties. Locally owned businesses contribute 350% more than non-locally owned businesses.

4. Better customer service
When you walk into your small local business chances are you know the person behind the counter and they know you. They will take the time to serve you and make sure you leave with what you came in for.  They also care more about their products and know what they are selling.

5. Local businesses create and provide jobs
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and they account for the vast majority of job growth.

6. Less carbon footprint
Local businesses tend to use local resources and put up shop in an existing development rather than build one and destroy habitat, create congestion and increase pollution. Shopping locally also saves you gas and travel time.

7. Each dollar counts
A study in Austin, TX showed that if each household redirected just $100 of planned holiday spending from chain stores to locally owned merchants, the local economic impact would reach approximately $10 Million!

8. Small Businesses Offer Unique Choices
Small local businesses offer shoppers unique products and services. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and respond more quickly to the need of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.

9. Entrepreneurship
Local entrepreneurship fosters economic innovation and prosperity. The success of locally owned, independent businesses provides real-life inspiration to our young people, proving that they can stay in Snohomish County and prosper on their own terms.

10. Competition and diversity leads to more choices
A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based on the needs of their local customers and not on a national sales plan, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

 It’s your choice . . . Choose Snohomish County!
In today's tough world, it is important to support what is unique and special about our community. We feel strongly that the support, retention and expansion of our local businesses will only enhance our overall economic future. By shopping locally, you are investing in Snohomish County and helping to foster a climate that is more likely to attract entrepreneurs and new investments.

 
Click on the picture above for more information and details on how you can join in on "The 3/50 Project".