Money spent locally is more likely to stay close to home
One thing we’ve learned since March, other than the meaning of the word furlough (admit it, you’d never heard it before), is what constitutes “non-essential shopping”.
Previously it was assumed that items such as cake stands, bath trays and recipe books for picnics were things you just couldn’t live without. Turns out they’re aren’t essential. Officially.
So when the non-essential shops reopened on Monday, no doubt you charged out to buy those much-needed bowler hats and matching knickerbockers. Who wouldn’t?
But where to shop? It’s an important issue.
The temptation is to buy everything from the very biggest outlets, or online. They’re undeniably convenient and achieve economies of scale which make them unbeatable on price. However, price and cost are are not the same thing.
Huge retailers can and will cope. Local businesses could close permanently if their hammering during coronavirus is not addressed. This would be to the detriment of everyone, leading to empty buildings, job losses and all the associated social and economic problems.
Money spent with local enterprises is far more likely to stay close to where you invested it. In effect, spending in your local shop means helping your own area. Those who spend locally, protect themselves.
It isn’t difficult. How hard is it, for example, to use a post office rather than the internet for certain necessities?
It isn’t only the longer term economic benefits of spending locally which appeals. It’s the businesses themselves.
This columnist is au fait with the various bakers, butchers, greengrocers around Sunderland. In my experience their produce is unbeatable. If it costs more, it’s worth it – both socially and gastronomically.
And when a local shopkeeper asks how you are, they mean it.
Conversely, a newsagent I remember from my youth was notoriously surly and unhelpful. But he got away with it because we enjoyed being insulted and he was considered a character. Character is where local shops will always triumph. You just don’t get that that kind of wonderful rudeness from a multinational.
#SupportLocal. You know it makes sense.