Why Shop Local?

For every two jobs national retailers bring to a community three jobs are lost as a result of local business closing down.
When you shop locally owned business, your money is re-circulated and creates up to 75% more tax revenue to our community and state.
Source: institute for Local Self-Reliance, 2013 Independent Buinsess Survey

Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy

A ten percent shift to local spending creates a massive economic  impact!

Download the Local Works study in PDF format as an executive summary, or download the complete study.  (make hot link and connect to study)
 

A cornerstone of the Local First movement is a study by Civic Economics for the Local First organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan.(make hotlink to organization) Entitled "Local Works! Examining the impact of local business on the West Michigan Economy," the study finds a stunning impact to the local economy if just 10 percent of the market share is moved from national chains to locally owned businesses.
 

In a population of about 770,000, this 10% shift in spending creates:

•      • $137 million in new economic activity.
•      • Over 1,600 new jobs.
•      • Over $50 million in new wages.
•  

Highlights of the study include:

"Locals [produce] an average of 70% more local economic activity than chains on comparable revenue."
"All these benefits may be captured for the people of Kent County with a small change in habits. Just one time out of ten, before heading to a chain store or restaurant, take that business to a local. We believe quality, service, and value for the dollar will be their own reward, but that small act will strengthen the local economy and build a better, more sustainable Greater Grand Rapids."