I watch with great interest the growing support
for “shop local” campaigns. Most recently, “Small Business Saturday” coming up
this weekend is meant to get people thinking about the benefits of buying
local. National studies from Civic Economics and other organizations show that
for every $100 spent locally, nearly two-thirds stays in your community. Spend
another $100 in a national chain, only $42 stays. No dollars are returned to
your community when you spend $100 online.
A better thought might be, “Think Carroll First!”
regardless of who owns the store. Celebrate the selection and service offered
by a Carroll retailer this holiday season, whether owned by your neighbor or staffed
by someone who sits near you in church.
Independent and chain stores are complimentary in
Carroll. They need each other so that a broad selection is offered here,
attracting shoppers from Western Iowa and beyond. While there is no better
shopping experience than with an independent retailer, chain and franchise
outlets in Carroll provide an important part of the merchandise mix. Family
members coming home for the holidays are consistently impressed with all that
Carroll has to offer.
Buying local does not mean walling off the outside
world. No question there are benefits to getting out of town once in awhile –
and purchases are certainly made while we are out of town. But there are few
items we do not find locally.
Shopping in Carroll allows independent and chains to
contribute to projects and causes that are important to us here. The business
community generates millions of dollars in payroll and economic activity. They
pay local taxes, providing revenue for local services like fire & police
protection, and quality of life amenities we enjoy in Carroll. Charitable
contributions to schools, medical services and community causes are only
possible when Carroll businesses are supported by local residents and visiting
customers.
The Carroll Chamber of Commerce’s “Think Carroll
First” campaign is aimed at residents and guests, encouraging them to enjoy all
that Carroll has to offer, especially during the Holiday season. While shopping in Carroll, shoppers from all
over the region enjoy great food in our restaurants and activities such as the
Festival of Lights at Swan Lake, and concerts by the Carroll Community Chorus
and Carroll Area Symphony, and much more.
The selection, service, and even the cost of
Holiday shopping in Carroll likely will surprise you. I urge you to take a look
at the membership directory at www.carrolliowa.com.
Pick out a store that you have not visited in awhile and get in there! Carroll
merchants are stocked with gifts and trained employees who genuinely care about
making your shopping experience enjoyable. Save time and money by shopping in
Carroll this Holiday season. You will be supporting the businesses that support
your community while treating yourself to a most unique shopping experience.
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