How Can Shopping Local Add Value to Your Home?
Guest post by Bill Brunelle, Independent We Stand
There are a lot of reasons for consumers to shop local. Local businesses like Greenwood TrueValue Hardware return a higher percentage of revenue to the local community than big box hardware stores, contribute more to local charities and causes, and create more jobs. But a study by American Express OPEN, also showed that home values in neighborhoods with strong independent retail districts grew at a much faster rate over a 14-year period than those without.
To help local businesses tell this story, Independent We Stand, the national movement of local businesses and consumers dedicated to spreading the “buy local” message, has developed a Home Value Calculator. The calculator gives homeowners an easy tool to determine how supporting their locally owned, independent businesses – and encouraging more to open in their areas – affects the value of their home.
The Home Value Calculator joins our Economic Impact Calculator, which shows the direct impact on the local economy if each family spent just $10 each month with a locally owned business instead of at a national chain. Both calculators are part of our ongoing campaign to educate American communities about the positive economic benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses whenever possible.
We certainly hope that you will join the cause and help revive your local economy by shopping at the locally-owned businesses in your community. Buy their products. Eat their food. Use their services. In turn, these locally owned and operated businesses will continually pump your hard-earned dollars back into the local economy by way of taxes, payrolls and purchases. Not sure where how to find your local businesses? Our local business search and mobile apps make it easy to find a locally owned business whether you are at home or on the road.
Studies continue to prove that buying local can improve the economy – from the neighborhood level up. Independent business truly is the lifeblood of the American economy and we hope that you will join Greenwood TrueValue Hardware in joining the movement.