The Simple Act of Shopping Locally is a Meaningful Way to Strengthen the Community
Story by Matthew St. Amand
Photography by gpointstudio on Freepik
Among the many positive qualities that Windsor possesses, topping the list is the intense loyalty its citizens feel to the city and to each other. It does not always feel like that—when we are stuck in traffic after work, or standing in line at a sporting event, concert, or school gathering—but we are all neighbours. If there is one thing the residents of Windsor are passionate about, it is shopping local and supporting local businesses.
Long before the advent of the Internet, “cross-border shopping” was a sensitive issue in border cities, such as Windsor, back when consumers perceived it to be cheaper to travel to the United States to shop. Local entrepreneurs, however, are fierce and touted the benefits of supporting locally owned businesses—strengthening the community; superior, more easily accessed after-purchase service. Aided by rising toll costs at the border, a strong Canadian dollar, and seeing the benefits and simple logic of keeping their money in their communities, the tide turned.
There are numerous benefits to shopping local, but sometimes being reminded about things that should be a “no brainer” is a good thing.
Local businesses are an important part of our community. They provide employment, generate tax revenue, and help to boost the local economy. When people shop at a local business, they are not only supporting that specific business, but they are also helping to improve the overall health of the community.
Small businesses are major contributors to the Canadian economy. In 2022, according to Industry Canada, businesses with one to 99 employees comprised 98 percent of all employer businesses in Canada. They employ 10.7 million people, which is almost two-thirds—63 percent—of all employees in the country. That is a large sector of the economy.
When we buy from local farmers, grocers, restaurants, or stores, we kickstart the cycle of a healthy local economy and steady employment. According to LocateLocal.ca, for every $100 spent in locally own businesses, $68 is reinvested in the community. One big reason for this is businesses set up supply chains on their own turf rather than seeking national or international imports. This means local money stays local, helps other neighbourhood businesses grow, and supports our tax base.
More directly, the money spent at the locally owned coffee shop, barbershop, restaurant, or music store helps that business owner pay their mortgage, their vehicle, and groceries. It also pays for their kids’ after school activities, which may involve sports, music, or some other creative endeavor, which enriches their lives and provides employment for other people. The role that money plays in our lives is sometimes a cold, hard fact, but it is what makes things run in our society. It only makes sense to do all we can to keep that flow as strong and renewed as possible.
And for as much as people like to knock “big box” retailers, the fact is, these businesses employ local people, as well. Those pay cheques are spent in the local economy. People working in those stores have kids in extracurricular activities, too, and the money they earn pays for piano lessons, karate classes, haircuts, books for school, all kinds of things.
Beyond the simple “dollars and cents” logic of supporting local businesses, there are intangibles that enhance our lives far beyond the reach of money. There are social benefits to becoming a regular at a local spot. It is pleasant being greeted by friendly faces and it deepens our own experience when we learn the story behind their business.
Also, frequenting small businesses, we may learn things can help us with our hobbies. A tip from a bicycle repair tech might help keep one’s bike on the road longer, or advice from a restaurateur or coffee shop owner might up our game in the kitchen at home.
There is also a vast array of entertainment options that exist at the local level—particularly in Windsor, which has a well-deserved reputation for its numerous fine venues that feature live music of all kinds. Local theatre, too, flourishes in all directions, from children’s productions to “light opera,” to grittier, more challenging work occurring on stages around the city.
Windsor is rife with creative talent. One of the most frequent questions one hears in our local bookshops is: “Do you carry books by local authors?” The answer is always “Yes.” The city is teeming with writers with works ranging from kids’ books, local history, fiction, poetry, self-help, science fiction, horror, as well as vintage and contemporary photos of the area. Throughout the city’s plethora of cafés, poetry readings and spoken word events occur on many weekends of the year. Often, local authors place their books at bookshops on a consignment basis, which costs the bookseller nothing upfront. When a book is sold, the book shop receives a portion of the sale, and the rest goes to the author. It is the very definition of win-win.
Aside from the economic and social benefits of supporting local businesses, it also makes environmental sense. In many corners of the city, businesses exist in convenient clusters, which makes it easier to roll several errands into one outing. With less driving in general and more travel by foot, or bike, shopping local decreases the amount of congestion and pollution. Every little bit helps.
More than that, small businesses use local resources sustainably and reduce the processing of goods, packaging, and waste. Many local companies are dedicated to being waste-free and set up partner networks that allow them to source their products ethically, with the least amount of environmental impact.
Finally, local businesses have a long and well-earned reputation for supporting local charities. Almost every sports team in the county is sponsored by a small, local business.
As the Christmas season approaches and holiday shopping takes flight, nothing would be more in keeping with the season than supporting local businesses with our dollars. We are all in this together. It only makes sense to use our resources to strengthen our community.
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