There is far more involved in making purchasing decisions than dollars and cents. 

For someone like myself who is a touch-feel-and-see kind of person, having the ability to interact with a product I am purchasing and building rapport with the business is very important. Not everything is a major purchase, and of course we all process our consumer lifecycle differently. To accomplish a successful sale, the end result is to make a sale today and to make future sales as well. Building rapport that results in repeat customers is a simple and effective way to stand out in the world of overnight delivery options. 

I believe our community is full of businesses that go above and beyond and stand out from the crowd. Of course, we don’t have everything at our fingertips, but our businesses are here to provide you all they can. They are always willing to find what you need if they don’t have it on the shelves or showroom floor. 

We are very fortunate to have access to unique items and hard-to-find options as well as those day-to-day staples that we can’t go without. We’re in a world where people have started buying mattresses online and, I may sound like an old lady here, but I can’t for the life of me figure out how that is a good idea. With the personalized service and offers for free pick-up and delivery that are readily offered, I will keep on making those kinds of purchases in my favorite brick and mortar stores. 

I just want share a recent report from Civic Economics — Anderson Study of Retail Economics that I came across that spells things out pretty clearly. 

Here’s what happens when you shop local:

1. More of your money will be kept in your local economy.

For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.

2. You embrace what makes your community unique.

You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?

3. You create local jobs.

Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firefighters, police officers and many other essential professions.

4. You help the environment.

Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.

5. You nurture community.

Local business owners know you, and you know them. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.

6. You conserve your tax dollars.

Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance and more money available to beautify your community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong — in your community.

7. You create more choice.

Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.

8. You take advantage of their expertise.

You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it?

9. You invest in entrepreneurship.

Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business ensures a strong community.

10. You make your community a destination.

The more interesting and unique your community, the more it attracts new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone.

To assist people in making their shopping decisions, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce offers Monroe Money. Monroe Money worth $55,000 is purchased annually and that that money filters back into our community to keep our economy strong. This flexible purchasing option allows you to purchase a gift of any dollar amount and is completely free of charge. There are no service fees or costs to chamber members to accept these checks. Monroe Money is available for purchase at the Chamber of Commerce office, located at 1505 9th St.  

As we head into the primary consumer spending portion of the year, I am optimistic and excited by the selection and personalized service that Monroe offers. I encourage you to shop local, buy local and hire local. 

— Melissa Even is the executive director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.