Here on brandsalsa and at Addison Whitney, we spend a lot of time talking about big global brands, and with good reason – they’re the most recognizable and impact our daily lives. It is also fascinating to watch brands that have been around for decades develop innovative and creative ways to stay relevant. But, today, we’re paying homage to brands that aren’t global players – and honestly never will be – and, we’re examining the emotional and economic impact these brands and activities on have their communities.

 

So, why Local Brands?

 

Emotional Appeal
Where we shop, where we eat and where we have fun — all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of a city. When someone comes to visit, you don’t take them to the nearest chain, you take them somewhere that you feel shows off something unique.

 

Local brands, stores and businesses have the ability to create tighter bonds with their communities and it is that connection that makes them attractive to consumers. We love meeting store and restaurant owners and hearing their stories – why they opened, what they love about what they do, who they are. . It gives you a strong sense of pride to know your money will directly help them, their families and continue to drive their passions.

 

Economic Impact
Aside from the emotional appeal, there are strong economic impacts from shopping local. A recent study by Independent We Stand, an organization dedicated to educating communities on the importance of shopping local, showed that:
• Local businesses reinvest in their local economy 60 percent more than chains.
• Small businesses account for 75percent of all new jobs in this country.
• Small businesses employ over half of all U.S. workers.

 

In a recent report, the executive director at the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies said the “buy local first campaign helps bring local businesses together to build community health and wealth from the bottom up.” Her organization found that communities with a “buy local” initiative reported revenue growth of 5.6 percent compared to 2.1 percent for the communities who did not have such an initiative.

 

Learn More:
To learn more about how to support local businesses your community, visit Independent We Stand. Now get out and shop local!