Shopping at locally owned businesses benefits consumers in many ways and provides them an experience they can’t get from big chain retailers. Michael H. Shuman, author of the book Going Local, summed it up by saying “Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs.” Here are our top reasons for shopping local:

IMPROVE THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

When a consumer buys local products and services, more of their money stays in their community. Recent studies show that out of every $100 spent in a local business, $68 remained within the city, while only $43 of each $100 spent at a chain retailer remained. Small business owners often have incentive to support other local businesses, patronizing these establishments for both personal and professional reasons. Big box chain stores, on the other hand, rely on a corporate structure for products and supplies that are brought in nationwide or often internationally. Overall, employees of locally owned businesses earn a higher salary and participate in benefit packages offered, returning more to their community.

IMPROVE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Since small businesses are rooted in the communities they operate in, it makes sense that they would be involved in the community activities. Partnerships with schools, service providers, or even other businesses enable them to better serve customers while also boosting the local economy. A recent study by Michigan State University showed that local business owners contributed four times the amount of charitable donations than that of chain retailers. The study also revealed that 91% of local business owners contribute to their community, including schools, non-profits and community groups, by volunteering and making donations. Local business owners invest in the community and have a vested interest in the future of the community.

BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE

There is power in shopping at locally-owned businesses. When shopping at local businesses, you’re seen as an individual, not a consumer statistic. The relationship that is built between small businesses and the customer is often long-standing, and the service received is generally better when you are familiar with the staff. Because they have a smaller consumer base, local businesses have the advantage of tailoring their sales strategies to the local customer and community rather than having to stick with nationwide marketing plans. When you shop local, the business owner is usually directly connected to every employee in the store. Small businesses tend to have employees that are more invested in their success, which leads to improved customer service and overall customer satisfaction. If a problem does arise, small business owners are usually available to ensure prompt and reasonable resolution.

The Rentmeister family knows what it means to serve the Syracuse Community. Don Rentmeister, founder of Rentmeister Total Home Service, was born and raised in Syracuse. He established the company as we know it now in 1978. Since then, Don and his family have expressed a love and commitment to this community that is unparalleled. The Rentmeister family continues Don’s legacy by being involved in many community projects that benefit the people of this great city.