According to recent research, 64% of people preferred to shop local last year, choosing smaller independent stores in their neighbourhood. At In Good Company, we think this is great news! Here are just some of the benefits of choosing local businesses, for your community, for the planet and for you.

What does it mean to shop locally?

Shopping locally doesn’t just have to mean walking to the fruit and veg stall ten minutes from your home. Shopping locally also means choosing to buy your clothes, groceries, and products from locally owned, independent businesses rather than large retailers and corporations.

Why should I shop locally?

There’s no doubt that big business can provide products at low prices and offer fast shipping, but what if we bring ethics to the table? That’s a whole other discussion. And you might be surprised at some of the bargains - and unique items - you can pick up in smaller stores.

Besides supporting your local economy, you can also help the environment and strengthen your community just by deciding to support your local businesses.

Let’s take a deeper look into the how’s and why’s:

Strengthen your local economy

Employees and owners of local businesses are more likely to spend their earnings in their area and put that money right back into the local economy. In fact, research shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business (SME) 63p was re-spent in the local area compared to 40p in every £1 spent with a larger business.

As demand for local products and services goes up, it helps the local economy grow, as more money moves around within the community. And as the economy grows, then ideally more funds become available for public projects like parks, libraries, and better transport. This growth also creates more jobs and encourages new businesses. So, when you shop locally, you're not just buying a product; you're also investing in your community's future!

Greener transportation and Convenience

By using local shops nearby, you’re more inclined to walk or cycle because you don’t have so far to travel. But if that doesn’t sound appealing to you, there are plenty of small businesses that offer online ordering, pick-up, or delivery to your home. With quick and convenient options, shopping locally is far easier than you might think. Not only is walking or cycling as your mode of transportation healthier for you (getting outside even for a short walk is proven to boost your mood), but you’re also reducing your carbon footprint by not using the petrol in your car.

Waste Reduction and Energy Conservation

Believe it or not, you aren’t the only one who’s reducing their carbon footprint. The same goes for your local independent businesses, lots of whom are reducing their own carbon emissions by buying their products and produce locally. There is far less distance to be travelled when businesses have local suppliers and only buy the things that they need.

Big businesses who tend to buy their products from further away can end up using lots of packaging and produce more carbon due to the distance things have to travel, whereas local businesses often produce less packaging and waste, as well as emit fewer carbon emissions.

And if you want to cut packaging waste even further (who doesn’t hate the amount of plastic packaging you get at the supermarket?!) then you should check out the range of local zero-waste and refill shops on In Good Company who sell everything from body wash, shampoo and household cleaning products to nuts, rice and cereals unpackaged. You just bring in a container and top up.

Job Creation

A thriving economy leads to an increase in good jobs, especially for people who live locally, providing new opportunities. According to the Federation of Small Businesses, there were 5.5 million small businesses in the UK which is 99.2% of all businesses. They employ over 13 million people.

Small businesses may also be more likely to hire people who may have a lower chance of finding employment, like less-skilled workers or those who might be considered too young or too old. Lots of the companies you’ll find on In Good Company focus on training and hiring people who find it hard to get a good job, like those with disabilities or impacted by homelessness.

Wildlife & Land Preservation

Even if you live in a city, by buying locally you may well be supporting nearby farms too. That’s because local grocery shops and market stalls are more likely to be buying their fresh fruit, veg, dairy products and meat from local farmers. And that means you are helping to keep them in business.

It’s not uncommon for local farmers to have to sell their land to big developers who end up building on their land and moving animals from their homes. By preserving land and natural resources, you’re also preserving local wildlife habitats and helping foster the biodiversity of animals, plants, and insects.

Better Food Quality and Source

With shopping locally comes the benefit of fresh produce and knowing exactly where your food comes from. Your local farmers often veer away from conventional methods and chemicals, like pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, hormones, GMOs, and chemicals. Instead, they use more eco and human-friendly methods, like water conservation and practices that protect soil health.

With large corporations, It’s difficult to know exactly what your food has been through, but local farmers make it easier for you to feel confident about what you’re eating. It can be hard for them to compete with such big names, but when it comes to fresh and high-quality produce, they come out on top. The same goes for local restaurants, especially those committed to sustainability like the ones you’ll find on In Good Company, who choose to buy their ingredients from local farmers and suppliers.

And it's not just about food. You’ll find much more unique and thoughtfully made items in your local Independent stores and boutiques. Take Know and Love in Stoke Newington, one of our favourite good businesses, who know every person who’s made the beautiful homeware and gifts they stock and can tell you all about its origin and story.

Personal Service and Value

There’s a sense of familiarity and friendliness that comes with shopping at your local businesses. They take more time to get to know their customers and build relationships, making your experience more personal and enjoyable. This might seem small, but these little moments of connection are really beneficial.

Be Good, Feel Good

All things considered, shopping locally is not only good for the environment, it’s good for business and it's good for you. It promotes a happier and healthier community, making your neighbourhood a better place to both live and work. So next time you need something, why not take a simple walk to your nearest small business and see how much better you feel!

How can I shop locally and be sustainable?

Here are a few easy and convenient ways to help your community and the environment:

About In Good Company

Need inspo? Need advice? Want to feel good about where your money goes? At In Good Company, we do the heavy lifting by matching you with the best ethical businesses and experiences around you - so you can worry less about the impact your choices have on the planet and more about living your life.

Just guilt-free, feel-good experiences. What’s not to like.

If you want to make more of your days out, while doing your bit for the world then check out ingood.app to discover the good we can do together. We’re In Good Company - and now, so are you.