Tis the season for a sharp box of crayons, fresh glue sticks, new tennis shoes and the next size up in jeans for your kiddos who are heading back to school in a few weeks.
It may only take 10 minutes to fill your online shopping cart with all the things on your list while taking advantage of next day shipping but if you buy as many of your back-to-school necessities as you can at local businesses, you’ll not only kick off the school year with a great start but you’ll be contributing to your local community in great ways too.
4 Reasons to Do Your Back-to-School Shopping Local
#1 YOUR KIDS LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOPPING LOCAL
When you buy their new tennis shoes, pencils and notebooks at a local business, you can teach them about the positive impact that purchase can have for their community. When your dollars stay here at home, it supports local business owners and their families as well as their employees and their families. Shopping local ensures we have beautiful parks that your kids enjoy and safe streets. Shopping local enables businesses to financially support non-profits and youth activities your kids are involved in too.
#2 IT EXPOSES YOUR KIDS TO LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Instead of having them grow up in a world where they think all of their household goods and clothing magically show up in boxes on their doorstep the day after they order online, showcase the fact that many of the products and services you need on a daily basis can be found right here in their community.
#3 TEACH THEM THE VALUE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE VS. ONE-CLICK ORDERING
When your kids shop with you, they recognize the helpful gestures and friendly smiles of the business owners and cashiers they see in the store. They may not recognize it as exceptional customer service but those personal interactions with the business community will be embedded as memories of their hometown, something they won’t be able to find with one-click online ordering when they reach the age of making their own purchases for the things they need.
#4 EXPOSE THEM TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CAREERS IN THEIR HOMETOWN
When they see members of their community making a living as a business owner or in a field that they’re passionate about, your kids can begin to envision a life in their hometown as well. Whether it’s a creative online business, a skilled trade or a global company, we want to remind our youth that they can fuel their entrepreneurial spirit or embark on a fulfilling career path right here in Valley County.
When you’re considering where to spend your dollars when it comes to back-to-school shopping, and even your everyday household needs, consider investing in your community by shopping at and doing business with these Ord Area Chamber members.
Download and print a complete list of current Chamber members here.
