Do You Have a Shop Local Campaign Yet?

March 31, 2009

As I’ve previously mentioned in this blog, the majority of U.S. businesses are small businesses, and many of these small businesses greatly rely on local patrons. Therefore, numerous small businesses have started their own shop local campaigns.

If you are not already part of a community-wide shop local campaign, you should join one, and if there isn’t one in your community, you should start your own. A shop local campaign will remind local consumers why it is beneficial for them to buy from locally owned businesses. It will produce loyal customers who will consistently support your business and encourage others to do the same.

I found the links below while reading “New ideas for your shop local campaign,” an article by Becky McCray. These resources will help you create a strong and well-positioned shop local campaign.

2 Comments | Community, General, Go Local, Small Business, marketing | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by thinklocal

Find Locally Grown & Organic Food in Your Area

March 26, 2009

This morning, I stumbled upon a Web site that is going to change the way I do my shopping. LocalHarvest is a directory that connects Americans with organic and locally-grown food products in their local area. Simply type in your location, and LocalHarvest will provide you with a list of local farms, farmers’ markets, restaurants, and more that supply or use local and/or organic produce, dairy, meat, and other food products. If you can’t find a specific item in your area, have no fear: Local Harvest also provides a comprehensive list of Web sites that sell a wide range of natural, organic, and sustainable items from family farms cross the country.

Taking part in the “buy local” movement is now easier than ever. Simply visit http://www.LocalHarvest.org.

Leave a Comment » | Community, Go Local | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by thinklocal

The Benefits of Shopping Locally

January 15, 2009

It’s tradition to make resolutions every time the new year rolls around. We see January 1st as a fresh start, as the beginning to the “new me.” Many of us resolve to eat better, exercise more, and work towards overall health. While exercising requires personal motivation to keep you going, you can use ThinkLocal® to help you get into the habit of eating healthier foods.

Research has shown that by eating foods that are organic and/or natural, we can avoid ingesting a lot of harmful chemicals. Finding organic and natural foods is easy-all supermarkets carry them, and local farmers are growing more organic produce than ever. But organic food can be expensive, especially at supermarkets. You can usually find better deals on organic and natural foods at your local farmers’ market since they don’t have to pay as many overhead costs as mass producers. Since local farmers don’t have to ship their products very far, they can charge their buyers less, and in turn the buyers can charge their customers less. Local grocers also tend to offer more “buy one, get one” deals than large supermarkets. Another benefit of buying local foods is they almost always taste better than foods that have been shipped from across the country. If the fruits and vegetables you eat taste better, you’ll be inclined to eat them more. And we all know that adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet is one of the best steps you can take towards better health.

Stop by ThinkLocal® and look for local grocery stores and farmers’ markets in your area. There are many benefits to shopping locally, including supporting the small businesses in your area. By supporting your local economy, you can also help your financial state.

2 Comments | General, Local Search | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by thinklocal