In recent years, there has been a bit of backlash against the massive all-you-can-buy, American-conglomerate, big-box superstores. Places where you can literally buy a fifty-pound bag of tater tots and stock up on nine hundred rolls of toilet paper. Very low prices, huge quantities, and (generally speaking) mediocre-quality merchandise are all the norm. With this trend, we have witnessed the construction of megastores with parking lots the size of Sports Authority Field and the largest selection of goods you can imagine.
Local Economic Effects
Along with mediocre quality, we have witnessed unfortunate economic effects from the ubiquitous superstores. The destruction of Main Street is one sad result of huge chains. Mom-and-pop shops are unable to compete on price with these behemoths, which forces them to shut their doors. Furthermore, until recently, local merchants were forced to charge sales tax while online giants, like Amazon, did not.
Over the past decade, a major movement has gained substantial momentum in which people have been beating the drum to buy local. These consumers stress the importance of supporting local businesses, which in turn support the local community by providing jobs, among other benefits. The argument is that you may pay a bit more, but this money is being funneled right back to you in a tight local ecosystem. Think of this money being put into your neighbor's pocket rather than some far away unknown pocket. According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, for every dollar spent at a local establishment, forty-five cents recirculates the local economy, versus only fourteen cents from each dollar spent at a big box store.
Additional Benefits of Locally Owned Businesses
Consumers benefit by knowing more about the proprietors behind a product or service. Local business merchants tend to be longtime local residents with deep roots in the community, which results in piece of mind, knowing (for instance) that food was produced locally and local farmers are benefiting.
A great example of this is the Boulder Farmers Market, which is ranked the best farmers market in the United States. The New Economics Foundation, an economic independent think-tank, compared what happens when people buy produce at a supermarket versus a local farmer's market or community supported agriculture (CSA) program. The researchers found that twice the money stayed in the community when people bought locally.
Local businesses also contribute substantially to local tax coffers. This assists schools, parks, and other projects to be completed to benefit local citizens.
How to Support Your Community by "Buying Local"
Thankfully, these days shoppers have a plethora of options. Be it from a local farmers market or from a special "buy local" section of a large chain, consumers can almost always purchase local goods and services. In fact, even when shopping online, consumers can now can find sections devoted just to local wares and services.
As a locally owned and operated company, we at Eldorado Natural Spring Water believe it is important to support local businesses. We use local vendors and suppliers whenever and however we can, we hire locally almost exclusively, and we are committed to continually giving back to the community that we love.
Because our water comes from a natural source right here in Colorado, you just can't get much more local than we are here at Eldorado Natural Spring Water. You will not only find our water in many local retail stores, but, if you are local to Colorado, you can have it delivered to your home or office, pick it up at our local headquarters, or even use our self-service facility near our pool in Eldorado Springs, CO.
