GREEN SHOPPING TIPS
Retailer trends
Shopping locally won’t just fill your home with unique, custom items. It will fill your heart knowing you’re making a big impact on your region and the wider world.
Local shoppers end up being economic drivers in their areas because of what small business owners invest back into their towns.
Here are some interesting statistics from the publication Fit Small Business regarding consumer behavior and local shopping trends.
• Globally, retail sales are expected to top 26.29 trillion by the end of 2019.
• In the United States alone, retail accounts for $2.6 trillion in sales.
• Retail and food services in the U.S. accounted for $513 billion in November 2018.
• 67% of millennials and 56% of Gen-Xers consumers prefer to shop online.
• For every $100 spent at a local small business, roughly $68 stays in town.
• 72% of shoppers search online before entering a brick-and-mortar retail store.
• The average monthly income for a small to midsized retailer is $22,340.
How many of these statistics speak to you? Is there more you can do to trade some of your online or big box shopping habits for more of a local shopping approach? You may influence others to do the same, causing a chain reaction of sustainable shopping behavior.
MAKING SECONDHAND A FIRST PRIORITY
There are many ways to shop in a sustainable way, including visiting local secondhand stores for your clothing needs. Many churches and nonprofit organizations offer secondhand clothing to help their local communities.
Consignment shops are actually en vogue when it comes to finding great deals on quality clothing. While you’re focused on adding to your wardrobe, you’re also helping keep clothing out of landfills longer. This helps maintain a healthier environment in the long run.
FIND GREEN BUSINESSES
Today’s consumers are in love with small businesses that produce their products in sustainable ways. Many companies even give back portions of their profits to help fund philanthropic missions or support those in need. One great resource for finding such companies is Green America’s Green Business Network. Find the organization online to find a list of sustainability-focused companies trying to make a difference in your region.