Supporting Local Small Businesses is a Small Town Way of Life

Why do we make such a point to tell folks to shop local during the holiday season? When you buy local more money stays in the community…it’s as simple as that.

There are so many vital reasons to keep your money in Beaufort.

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun; all of it makes our community our home. Beaufort’s one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of our town.  The dollars we spend locally have a domino effect. In many ways, that money will eventually find its way right back to all of us. For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain.

When you buy from an independent, locally-owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, continuing to strengthen the economic base of our community. A stronger tax base means improved schools, better roads, and greater support for our local police and fire departments.

• Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and one of the largest in our community, providing the most jobs to residents.
• Local businesses are owned by people who live in our community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
• Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers, thus providing better customer service.
• The holiday shopping season can make up 20% to 40% of the total year’s revenue for some small businesses, depending on the business type.

These folks, our neighbors, are relying on us.

There is something unique about being in a small town like Beaufort that pulls you toward shopping locally. Whether it’s a sense of pride, a feeling of duty or the genuine support of a friend or family member, knowing that your dollar has gone to not only a member of the Beaufort community but to a business owner you trust, makes every purchase that much more special.

It’s Beaufort’s people who make it all possible.  Our community has a very strong shop local movement, underscored by its wealth of locally-owned businesses and our strong desire to see them succeed.

Support local restaurants and retail shops as you start your holiday shopping season.

We know we will.