Why it really pays to visit downtown stores this holiday season

Small-town stores are back. For years they withered while malls, big-box stores, and national chains gobbled up shoppers. But things seem to be turning around for downtown America. Lots of us are looking to eat local, and handcrafted everything is hot now. Even some big-box stores are shrinking. Let’s face it. Supersized isn’t as super as it used to be.

Bonuses to shopping local include saving time and gas, and sometimes money, too. In ShopSmart’s new national survey on shopping locally, women said they liked supporting their neighborhood merchants, and they enjoyed browsing at local stores. And who doesn’t like personal service such as getting calls when your perfect dress goes on sale!

In the majority of ShopSmart’s annual surveys on the best places to shop, readers have rated independent/local retailers among the top places to buy appliances, eyeglasses, electronics, and drugstore items, beating out national chains and big-box stores such as Home Depot, Sears, and Walmart. Shoppers praise them for service, convenience, and product quality. Independent retailers can also be competitive on price, especially if you try to negotiate.

A big plus to shopping locally is that small businesses funnel more money back into the local economy. One local purchasing study found that out of $100 spent in an independent business, about $68 goes back into the community. Spend that same $100 at a chain store, and just $43 stays local. And local businesses sponsor sports teams and host events such as wine tastings and DIY clinics.

In ShopSmart’s new survey, women also pointed out that mom-and-pop stores made donations to community organizations, hosted special events, and offered bonus services such as free lessons, how-to expertise, repairs, free delivery, or personal shopping services. Almost 40 percent of respondents said they planned to shop locally this holiday season. If you’d like to join them, ShopSmart has plenty of tips and tools for buying great stuff in your backyard at great prices. Happy local shopping! For more information, visit ShopSmartMag.org/.