When you’re running a shop local campaign, you want to make sure people understand the benefits of doing so. It’s easy to say “support your neighbors” but that’s often not enough of a reason to get them to forgo the convenience of the mega retailers online. After all, it’s so much easier to do your shopping with a couple of clicks of a button (and on your schedule) than it is fighting the crowds and finding a parking space. You need to show your community what’s in it for them and it better be something more than “helping their neighbors.”

Here are a few ideas you can use (as is, speaking directly to your audience):

Helping to Create Jobs: By shopping local, you are supporting small businesses, which, in turn, can create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and contribute to the overall well-being of our community. A good economy has ripple effects that are felt by everyone.

Giving Unique and Handcrafted Gifts: Many local shops, artisans, and crafters offer unique, handcrafted, and one-of-a-kind items you won’t find in larger chain stores. By shopping local, you can discover special gifts that have a personal touch, making your presents more meaningful and memorable.

Receiving Personalized Service: Local businesses often provide a more personalized and attentive shopping experience. The owners and staff are more likely to know their products well and can offer recommendations, assistance, and may even have gift-wrapping services to make your shopping easier and more enjoyable.

Minimizing Your Environmental Impact: Shopping locally can reduce the carbon footprint associated with your purchases. When you buy from local stores, products typically travel shorter distances, which can lead to lower transportation-related emissions and support sustainability.

Preserving Community Character: Local businesses contribute to the unique character and charm of our community. By shopping local, you help maintain the distinctiveness of our neighborhoods and town. This can be especially important during the holiday season when our community decorates and celebrates its traditions.

Keeping Dollars in the Community: Money spent at local businesses is more likely to circulate within the local economy ($68 out of $100 spent locally stays here). Our businesses often source their supplies and services locally, hire local employees, and pay local taxes. These things contribute to the economic well-being of the community.

Strengthening Relationships: Shopping at local businesses can foster a sense of community and strengthen social ties. You may run into neighbors, friends, or acquaintances while shopping, which can lead to valuable social interactions and a stronger sense of connection.

Getting Support for Your Interests and Causes: When you support local businesses, they are more likely to support your local causes, events, and charities. This creates a cycle of community support and goodwill, where businesses and residents work together to enhance the quality of life in the area.

Supporting Good Corporate Citizenship/Greater Transparency and Accountability: Local businesses are often more transparent about their business practices, which can make it easier to support ethical and sustainable products and services.

Additionally, remind your community members that buying local doesn’t mean they have to be “in store.”

Retaining Ease: Shopping local during the holiday season doesn’t require sacrificing convenience. Many local businesses and artisans offer online ordering. (If your chamber has a list of online businesses, you could share it or create an online gift-giving guide.)