Small Businesses
When I was little, my mom was always very open with me about anything I had on my mind. She was always talking to me about things that were important to her, and one of those things was supporting the small businesses in the area. Though I had no idea why this was so important when I was a kid, this was something she talked about and did. We rarely went to large chain stores, but rather, would shop when possible at the locally owned establishments.
It's not always possible to shop with small businesses, but if you can, you really should. If you think about it, when you support these places you are supporting your community. It is easy to walk into a Wal-Mart to find what you need, but someone who lives far away from you benefits, and your neighbors do not. Most like to save money, and items at small businesses often do cost more, as they can not compete with mass suppliers. However, they do try to do the best they can to keep prices lower.
Those running small businesses may be able to find something else to do if their business fails, but even if you don't care about that, you should still make sure you shop there. It is often the small businesses that make up the character and the personality of any community. These make an area unique, and these businesses can even bring in tourist traffic. Without them, your community will resemble any other community where large business drove out the little guy. When there is nothing special to be found, and area becomes just like any other.
Not only should you frequent the small businesses in your area, you should do your best to encourage others to do so as well. If we have nothing in the world but Wal-Mart, everything that everyone has will be the same. What fun is that? Variety and choice make the world go around, and I shutter to think of wha
t it would be like to have to shop at only one type of store. Those who run small businesses might not be your friends, but they are a part of your community, and are part of what makes your area special. Don't let that slip away. Instead, take some time to remember that though you may spend a little more, you are getting much more back in return.
