Why Buy Local?
Years ago, it was commonplace to go to the corner store to buy your groceries. The neighborhood hardware store was the go-to place for everything you might need to complete a home improvement project. Your wardrobe was bought from the local department store you had been shopping at since you were a child. But then the "big box stores" moved in and people stopped shopping local. So convenient to go to one place and get everything you needed, right? Wrong! Product quality and customer service were two of the most important factors that fell by the wayside. Small businesses began to flounder. That is why in 2009 the 3/50 project was born. Their tagline is, "Saving the brick and mortars our nation is built on."
Their mission is simple: get people to pick three of their favorite local businesses and spend $50 between all of them each month. Lakewood is filled with so many great small businesses to frequent, everything from independent record & book stores to excellent restaurants can be found all along the main thoroughfares. $50 is a meal out and then perhaps a birthday gift for a favorite friend. Such an easy concept that makes a huge impact. For every $100 spent at small, independently-owned businesses, $68 of that money stays right in the town the shop is located in. Spend the same amount at a "big box store" and less than $48 stays in the community.
Shop owners depend on the residents to keep them in mind when making purchases. With the competition from "big box stores," locally-owned shops set themselves apart by offering outstanding customer service. Each and every customer is important and is treated accordingly because return business is key.
The Buy Lakewood program is currently being revamped to offer even more incentive to buy local. "5% off Fridays" is just one of the perks that will be offered. Each participating shop will proudly display the new logo in their window, letting the customers know to expect quality products and outstanding service. Buying locally-made goods and supporting small business is more important now than ever before. Lakewood is filled with so many unique places to shop, you truly never have to leave the city limits to find everything you need!
Chris Sorensen is the owner of Crafty Goodness on Madison Avenue.
Christin Sorensen
Chris Sorensen, owner of Crafty Goodness on Madison Avenue