The days of conspicuous consumption are past for Americans experiencing diminished purchasing power and rising prices. We are in a “gasoline and toilet paper” economy now, where folks generally practice “anti-consumerism,” buying basic commodities and avoiding the flashy purchases which drove excessive spending cycles prior to this recession. Even when money was plentiful, we promoted smarter furniture shopping by providing tailored solutions.

We want to encourage everyone to engage their local businesses in an active dialogue. Think carefully and suggest products to make in this country. Make sure the people responsible for purchasing items for resale get the message. To the extent that we can, we all want to help our national economy regain and retain its strength. By supporting local business and asking for domestically produced merchandise, you can help local stores focus on your community’s needs, preserving and enhancing its unique character.

Strong local businesses survive competition from price-focused big box stores selling mostly imported goods by providing better service and products. According to Buy Local Scarborough, “for every 100 dollars spent at a locally owned business, 45 dollars stays in the area, creating (and preserving) jobs and expanding the area’s tax base. For every 100 dollars spent in a [big box store], only 14 dollars remains in the community.” Small businesses are also more likely to treat workers well and pay better wages, and contribute more than twice as much to charitable causes close to home.

Buying local is also more likely to result in a satisfying outcome with good service. Business owners understand accountability just like consumers do. When it comes to affordability, small business people not only want you to return, they want you to stay strong. If you tap the expertise of local business owners, they are far more likely to help you get what you need at a price you can afford than would a larger corporation based out of state. Your returning business and referrals boost that store’s ability to improve selection and quality, which enable it to negotiate and pass on better prices. By helping that business grow, you’d get better service and pricing than you would shopping elsewhere.

The harder consumers work to focus the offerings of local stores to the needs of their community, the more we all benefit. For example, we sold California-made wall beds for almost eight years at high prices. Customers who needed special sizes or features were unable to get those at any cost. Bringing production to Maine has added work to local shops and dropped prices by 37 percent and increased availability of affordable custom options, benefitting several Maine businesses and many future customers.

So when shopping for your home improvement project this spring, buy from local businesses and keep the money in your community.

For more information, talk to Ross Endicott at 207-883-3264, visit the store at 429 US Route 1 Unit #3, Scarborough, or www.condofurniture.com.

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