Nov 12, 2013

Shop Local for the HolidaysBy Cindy WannarkaWalkerMN.com

Walker, MN – As we all begin to create our holiday shopping lists, let’s take a moment to consider the importance of our local businesses and shopping at them.

According to several national studies, for every $100 that is spent in locally-owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend the same amount in a national chain, between $15 and $40 comes back to the community. If you purchase online or out of town, nothing comes back to the community.

Our local merchants take the time to listen to and care about their customers’ needs, making shopping a much more personal experience. They have personal relationships with the people who shop at their business and often know them on a first name basis. One simple reason to work with the small businesses is because you get a customer experience, the knowledge, attention to detail and high quality that you won’t find at a “big box” retailer.

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