Why Shop Local?

Supporting local businesses is important to me because it connects me to the authentic life I want to live. And with Willow Road under construction, it is an even more obvious choice!

It’s the simple things. When I go to a local store I regularly run into neighbors and friends. We take a few minutes to chat and catch up on the kids, what’s new in the neighborhood, talk about that new restaurant that just opened, or simply make plans to get together another time. Those precious moments relating with others connects me to my neighborhood and my friends and increases the quality of my life.

When I support local businesses I am supporting the livelihoods of neighbors and friends. Many local businesses hire neighborhood teenagers who need to earn money for college, retirees who want or need extra income, or a full time job for someone supporting a family. When my neighbors and friends can find work close to home, it boosts the quality of life for the whole neighborhood.

By shopping local I save gas, create less pollution, and foster a bike- friendly and walkable community. My purchases support local schools and public services through the taxes I pay. Finally, by supporting local businesses I am ensuring a broad choice of products and the kind of products I want, will be available for me and my neighbors in the future.

Each time I spend a dollar, I make a decision about the quality of my life and the quality of life in my neighborhood. It’s simple then for me to make the decision to support local.