Benefits of buying locally

What is local trade and why is it important?

The buying and selling of products and services within a community, where businesses are owned and run by local people, rather than large chains, make up local commerce. This type of commerce is important because it strengthens the regional economy by creating jobs and generating wealth that is reinvested in the community; it fosters social cohesion by creating meeting points and bonds of trust, and it contributes to cultural identity by offering unique and authentic products. In addition, local commerce also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon emissions associated with product transport.
 

Main benefits of buying locally

• Personalised attention: The strength of local shops lies in their warmth and proximity in dealing with customers. Their sales are a guarantee of good service and, above all, of finding people behind the counter who know the product inside out, specialists who can offer knowledgeable advice to ensure a truly satisfying purchase.
• Physical proximity: This proximity means that within your own neighbourhood, you can find all kinds of shops within walking distance and enjoy browsing the window displays with their latest arrivals. This proximity makes it possible to purchase products instantly, avoiding shipping delays
  and return complications, fostering a more direct and satisfying shopping experience. Moreover, this way you don’t need to drive or use public transport, so you save money and avoid pollution. Brilliant!
• Exclusive items: Small shops tend to stock some products that are more specialised than larger stores. You’ll find items in smaller quantities, so you won’t see them duplicated around every corner, offering a greater sense of exclusivity. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, it’s much more likely that a small shop will go the extra mile to help you locate the item you need than a large store would. 
• Fresh, local produce: Local shopkeepers usually source their products from nearby suppliers, especially in the case of food. Buying such products supports the local economy, and these fresher and higher quality goods, produced close to home, are rarely found in large supermarkets.

Tips for supporting local businesses in simple ways

1. Get to know your local traders 
   The first step in supporting local trade is to get to know the traders in your area. Visit the local shops and restaurants, talk to the owners and employees, and learn more about the products and services they offer.
2. Buy local 
   Supporting local trade starts with buying products that are produced in your community. Opt for seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal products and organic food that are locally grown.
3. Promotes local trade on social media 
   Use your social media to promote local businesses in your area. Share photos of your purchases from local shops, recommend your favourite restaurants, and encourage your friends and followers to support them. In addition, follow your trusted retailer on their account. 
4. Rate your positive experience with a review
   If you’ve made a purchase and were happy with the service, write a review (on the available ratings platform) to promote the business and encourage other customers to shop at or visit it.
5. Recommend the business to your contacts 
   If your experience in a shop was positive, you can tell your close circle about it. Word of mouth is the world's oldest advertising tool and still one of the most effective.
6. Give gift cards 
   Many local shops, as well as department stores, have their own gift vouchers that you can give to acquaintances on special occasions. For local businesses, this is also a good customer acquisition tool.