Shops and other small businesses – whether they offer products, services, or both – tend to employ local people, which in turn has a positive impact on the local community.

On top of that, a lot of smaller independent businesses, and even plenty of franchise or dealer outlets, are actually owned by local people as well.

Buying local is handy when you need after-sales support too.

The benefits are not just limited to supporting small independent operators either. 

Plenty of larger organisations also give back to the community in some way, be it through supporting charitable organisations, sponsorship of local sporting or community groups, or even things like DIY and project workshops to improve the knowledge and skills of their local customer base.

Various businesses, organisations and groups also go to various lengths to incentivise buying local.

Governments and councils tend to have policies that encourage it, and chamber of commerce groups organise various things like events, reward programs, and other initiatives.

Some even have a local gift card system, or support local charitable work.

The simplest thing to do is support the local businesses and organisations who help create local jobs in your area.

To really care about spending locally, just make the effort to find out who it is that owns the shop, outlet, dealership, workshop or mobile service.

Getting to know your local retailer or service provider can often mean that organising special orders or hard to find products is easier, with many people preferring the level of service and support they receive from local businesses.