Although St. Louis is a larger city, it still has that small-town feel. From St. Charles to the Central West End to Shaw, St. Louis is filled with unique neighborhoods and amazing local businesses. St. Louisans are known for not only supporting, but loving local businesses. That being said, shopping local isn’t just about supporting your neighbors—here are some of the many reasons why you should support local businesses:
- Help improve the local economy: With a marketplace of tens of thousands of big chain stores, small businesses are the best way to ensure not only greater innovation, but also lower prices in the long-run. When a consumer buys local, a significantly greater amount of that income stays within the community. In fact, one Chicago study found that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remained in the city, while out of every $100 spent at a chain retailer, only $43 remained in the city. Local businesses also generate more tax revenue per sales dollar. Basically, a greater percentage of local independent businesses means lower taxes for everyone, and who doesn’t love lower taxes?!
- Environmental sustainability: Local stores help to sustain dynamic and walkable town centers, which in turn help to reduce automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution. More efficient land use and more central locations also mean that local businesses put less demand on our roads, sewers, and safety services. Beyond that, a lot of local businesses want to give back to the community more and will support local charities that are making St. Louis a better place.
- Creates local jobs: Another point to improving the economy, local businesses help to create local jobs. When you work for a local business, you have the potential to earn a higher wage, which the big chain stores can’t provide. When you provide more business in some sectors, you are increasing the chances for employees to earn a higher income.
- It brings more visitors to our town: We all want to see St. Louis grow and prosper. One way of achieving that goal is by becoming an active tourist destination. When your town has interesting businesses and attractions, people are more likely to visit. When there is an increase in visitors, there is an increase in the economy. It’s a win-win for everyone!
- Keeps the community unique: There is a special kind of uniqueness that local businesses bring to our community. You can’t go to any other town and find that mom and pop grocery store down the street; it is completely distinctive to your community. Small businesses select products not based on a national sales plan, but on the individual interests and needs of their customers. These local businesses are what give St. Louis its unique flavor. When you support a small business, you are preserving that uniqueness as a part of your community.
St. Louis is full of amazing and diverse local businesses. Whether it is the diner down the street or stores like the locally owned Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, Pink Magnolia, you will find an incomparable experience. Stores like Pink Magnolia make you feel like you’re shopping with your best friends. Support your community—support local businesses.
This post was created by St. Louis Magazine Partner Studio on behalf of Pink Magnolia. Visit their site to learn more about the local Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store.
