Why Shopping Local Matters and How to Do It Effectively

Many people take pride in their reasons for shopping locally. Choosing smaller, greener food suppliers over bigger businesses in distant regions may help protect your community’s health and environment. Buying from local artisans may also help you discover stunning handmade items. And the economic benefits are real, as local retailers typically return more money to the community than larger, outside competitors.

Let’s explore the benefits of prioritizing local shopping along with tips to make it easier, from digital savings tools like Citi Shop^SM to guidance on staying up to date on community events. 

Why shop local?

Imagine spending money at a local business and its owner using the profit to pay employees. Workers then spend those wages on more local goods and services. This cycle, known as the multiplier effect, keeps money circulating within the community, potentially helping local businesses grow and supply jobs.

Benefits of shopping locally may also include:

• Lowering negative environmental impacts and cutting down on emissions
• Supporting your community, since small local businesses often fund kids’ sports teams, sponsor events and give to community charities
• Receiving fresher, more nutrient-dense produce than what you might buy from corporate competitors
• Championing local entrepreneurs who create handcrafted or custom goods

How to shop local

Here are some tips on finding your new favorite local shopping spots and visiting them regularly.

• Research local shops, markets and boutiques beforehand
  Your community might be home to multiple stores that sell the same product. Before heading out to shop, read local reviews or approach neighbors and friends for recommendations to help pinpoint the best business for your needs.
• Put local purchases first
  If you’re looking for a specific item, see if you can find it locally before ordering from a large retailer. Scan sale items in your area’s newspaper or newsletter, check out nearby consignment shops or visit your town’s community center to discover new businesses. 

• Attend local events and visit farmers’ markets
  Communities may hold Small Business Saturdays or other pop-up events that promote special offers on local items and services. Keeping up with those events and watching out for deals during local shopping trips could help you save while prioritizing your community. You can also go to seasonal farmers’ markets and fairs to shop.
• Look for online local marketplaces
  Check out online marketplaces that let you search for goods locally. Remember that many local businesses may also have digital shopping platforms for your convenience.
• Stay updated
  Download local events apps on your smartphone or device to stay current on local store happenings, business-sponsored parties, holiday activities and fundraisers.
• Use digital tools to help you save
  You can save money on local purchases using the Citi Shop℠ browser extension. This free tool helps eligible Citi^® credit cardmembers find and apply discounts and coupons automatically at checkout when shopping with online retailers, both locally and beyond. Enrolled cardmembers who use the extension can also activate available offers and complete their purchase to receive statement credits.

Shopping locally can benefit you, your wallet, your community and the environment. From discovering fresh foods in your area to saving on exquisite handmade crafts, a little planning and the Citi Shop℠ tool may make shopping locally easier and more affordable than ever.

Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.