Local First Lexington
Buying local makes sense, for you and for our community.
• Studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a national chain or franchise, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms – continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community. Also, significantly more tax dollars are kept in Lexington, helping to support schools, civic services and community improvements.
• Where we shop, where we eat and have fun – all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of Lexington, setting us apart from “Anytown, USA.”
• Locally owned businesses are good for the environment. They can make more local purchases requiring less transportation, and generally set up shop in established parts of the city instead of locating in fringe developments. This means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, and loss of our beautiful Bluegrass landscape.
• Having a diversity of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but rather on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices than the “big-box” competition. And local businesses often hire people with better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.
Outside Links & Resources:
AMerican Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA): Interested in starting and Independent Business Alliance (IBA) in your town? AMIBA is a great place to start!
Institute for Local Self-Reliance: Since 1974, ILSR has been a leader in research and the development and design of new rules to strengthen communities through local economics.
Top 10 Reasons to Support Locally Owned Businesses
Key Studies on Big-Box Retail and Independent Business: Click here to see what studies are being done and what the research shows about big-box retail and independent businesses.
Big-Box Tool Kit: How will big-box development impact your community? Find out with the Big-Box Tool Kit.
The Local Multiplier Effect: What does your dollar do for your community? Find out about the Multiplier Effect.
