While you might shop at chain stores for small conveniences and sometimes slightly lower prices, shopping locally has many environmental--and, yes, economic benefits.
A network of locally owned independent businesses and community organizations, Local First Chicago's main goal is to educate consumers about the benefits of shopping locally, while helping to build and maintain a prosperous local economy.
The organization originally began in four Chicago neighborhoods in 2005 after a study conducted by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. This study showed that (on average), if consumers spend $100 at a retail chain outlet, $43 of that stays in the Chicago economy. That same $100 spent at a local business, however, would mean a whopping $68 circulating in Chicago.
"Even if a corporate chain is headquartered in Chicago, the money doesn't necessarily stay here," said April Jervis, the new Executive Director of Local First Chicago. "It tends to go to the shareholders and shipping costs instead. Our goal is to keep as much of our economy here as possible, while staying environmentally sound and keeping Chicago's unique culture."
Inspired by those numbers, Local First Chicago's pilot program helped the 41 businesses by developing a one-stop online listing for potential customers of special events at member businesses, developing small business events (such as the September 17 panel on online business marketing at Noble Tree), and placing signs at businesses to advertise their independent business status. Local First Chicago is funded mainly through grants, donations, and volunteers.
The initial program worked so well that the Local First Chicago network has spread to 13 Chicago neighborhoods, with over 250 independent businesses, including dog walkers, chiropractors, restaurants and coffee shops, and art galleries.
"Having a few large business chains set prices isn't what capitalism should be about," said Jervis. "We help give consumers options."
Add that to the lowered carbon footprint of no long-distance fuel consumption, and buying from local businesses seems like a deal.
