The many benefits of shopping local

By choosing Christchurch businesses, whether in person or online, for your products and services, you are tangibly contributing to the economic health of your community, and will enjoy a more personal experience. The benefits of 'staying local' include:

STRENGTHENING YOUR ECONOMY:

Each dollar spent at independent businesses returns three times more money to local economies than one spent at an online chain store, benefits we all bank on.

STRENGTHENING YOUR COMMUNITY:

Local businesses are owned by people who live in your town, donate to local causes, coach sports teams. When you spend with them, you support neighbours.

SHAPING COMMUNITY CHARACTER:

Independent businesses give your community personality.

BUILDING COMMUNITY:

Casual encounters enjoyed at local businesses and public spaces around them build relationships and community cohesiveness; ultimate social networking!

YOU CAN BUY IT WHERE YOU TRY IT:

Local stores enable you to try on and try out items before you buy - and get real expertise - saving you time and money.

CREATING JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES:

Independent businesses employ more people per dollar of revenue, and are the customers of local printers, lawyers, accountants, wholesalers, etc, expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

ENHANCING LOCAL DEMOCRACY:

Local business ownership means residents with community roots are involved in key development decisions that shape our lives and our local environment.

GETTING GOOD DEALS & ADVICE:

Independent businesspeople can use their discretion to reward regular custom; you get discounts on items you actually want, rather than being tempted by multibuy offers from big chains.

They may also recommend certain products to you.

BRICKS & MORTAR A WINNER:

Despite the rise in online shopping, many Kiwis still prefer to shop in physical stores, according to research.

However, with the rise of virtual shopping experiences such as augmented reality and online product try-ons, the same 2021 research showed that 62 per cent of shoppers were more likely to buy a product they tried on virtually.

The research, which surveyed 511 Kiwis, showed that the majority of shoppers still prefer to shop in store, particularly for groceries, furniture, home improvement tools, sports equipment, personal care products and clothing. Just over half preferred to shop in store for beauty products and electronics.

More than half said online shopping was convenient, saved time and made it easier to compare prices, but fewer than half enjoyed it; many said it depended on the store.

This highlights the importance of "experience" for shoppers, whether in person or online. Shoppers want to touch and feel products, try them on, speak to the customer services representative, ask their advice and so on.

There really is no comparison to in-person shopping, no matter how convenient.