Buying local has become a hot topic, especially during the pandemic. Some folks are true to their community and do all their shopping locally. Many, like me, shop local when they can but also shop online for items that are unique, or if the price is just too good. Some folks do most of their shopping online.
Consider this: If we all shopped for apples at the big box stores and brought home apples and other fruit from Chile, Mexico or South Africa, what would happen to the local farms in and around our local area? What if we went to ANBL and bought Coors Light, Budweiser or any other mass-produced beer. How does this affect our local craft brewers? Did you know that the local micro-brewery also does business with over 30 local businesses? The trickle down effect not only hurts the local brewer but also all of their suppliers and employees. If the farmer cannot sell their produce, they will be forced to shut down the farm. This trickles down to affect the local farmers market and all the other vendors who sell there – less selection equals less customers.
Our family made a conscious effort to buy local this Christmas. I am happy to say that not one present was bought online. As a local business owner, I am aware of how important this is to a thriving economy. Sure, depending on the item, buying local can be a bit more expensive, but by buying local, you could be saving your neighbour’s job, without even knowing it.
Shop local at independent retailers in addition to the local big stores, they employ local people and contribute to the local economy. When you shop local in a big grocery store, choose the bag of New Brunswick potatoes instead of the bag from Ontario or Quebec.
Please, buy local when you can. We all benefit.