The Benefits of Supporting an Independent Toy Store Near You
Next time you’re in the market for a new toy, consider a trip to the neighborhood toy store. Supporting independent retailers not only fosters a sense of community, it provides real benefits to consumers and the neighborhoods they live in.
Here’s a closer look at the top 5 benefits of buying local:
1. Economic Stability
Spending your money at an independent retail store supports the local economy. Local
businesses create jobs, fund city services through tax dollars and promote neighborhood
development.
2. Community Development
Local businesses foster community well-being by building strong neighborhoods, sustaining
communities, and contributing more to local causes. Not only do these stores add unique
character to the local neighborhood, they increase the quality of life for residents and contribute to the value of homes in the area. In addition, local ownership means local decision making by people who live and work in the community and are therefore personally invested in its success.
3. Reduced environmental impact
Local stores help sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers, which in turn are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution. Neighborhood stores require less travel for consumers, which decrease traffic congestion and carbon usage.
4. A diverse product selection
An abundance of small locally owned businesses, each selecting its own product mix, guarantees a much wider range of product choices for everyone in the community. In addition, independent toy stores tend to carry many of the high-quality, boutique and specialty products not typically found at big box stores.
5. Better customer service
Small business owners are committed to keeping customers happy. They tend to tailor their
product offerings to meet the needs of the community, host local events and create incentive
programs for loyal shoppers.
Adapted in part from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a national nonprofit organization working to
rebuild local economies. To learn more, visit www.newrules.org/retail.
My First Super Science Kit, Brio Train Set, and Puppet on A Stick are all a BIG hit in our household!! These are the types of classic and FUN toys that you can find at your locally owned toy store. My little one is enjoying putting on puppet shows and I love watching her imagination go wild. I definitely recommend checking out your local toy store this Saturday November 10th for the 3rd annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day and SHOP LOCAL!!
Disclosure: I received the above mentioned item for review purposes only. I was not compensated to write a positive or favorable review. This is Keeping Up With The Rheinlander’s personal opinion.
