Consumers almost always face a choice of where to spend their money. Sometimes that choice is between a local business and a larger chain store. Even though a chain may bring more familiarity, it’s helpful for both the community and business development to support the local vendors when you can. Here are three key reasons why it’s important to stand behind these smaller businesses.

Why It’s Valuable to Support Local Business

1. They Keep Your Town Unique

When you support local businesses, you’re making an investment in the original and creative makeup of your town or city. Because local businesses begin locally, they are usually one-of-a-kind and bring a certain level of idiosyncrasy and personality that isn’t easily duplicated. If they start to be replaced by chain stores, then your home will lose some of its uniqueness and look like any other place. Not only is a homogenous area less enjoyable to live in, but it can mean a decrease in money from visitors as well.

2. You Receive Better Service

Because they’re much bigger in scale, larger corporations don’t need to pay as much attention to the average customer. While they may have a large amount of offerings, you’re more likely to feel confused or alienated as a client or customer. Since local businesses tend to operate on a smaller scale, they take great care to make you feel at home and treat you as a member of their community and larger family.

3. It Helps the Local Economy

Every time you spend a dollar at a non-locally owned chain store, that money gets sent back to corporate headquarters. But when you buy local, that money stays in the community, providing greater liquidity for business development. Local business owners are also more likely to hire local people — again keeping money in the community. So, by being conscious of where you spend, you can help your hometown prosper.

To become involved in the business development community of Mebane, NC, consider joining the Mebane Business Association. Serving the area for over 25 years, the community organization sponsors many events that bolster local businesses. Whether you’re looking for more networking opportunities or ways to grow your business, start a conversation with the team of professionals by calling (919) 304-3737. Learn more about the business development organization by visiting their website.