Our everyday decisions have a powerful impact on our local economy, community and environment so we’d like to encourage everyone to #thinklocalfirst. Just to be clear, we are not trying to create a hate campaign against large chains BUT we really believe that the majority of our everyday (and more specialist) shopping needs can be met through making the most of the fantastic array of local independent businesses & services that are all around us… it’s just knowing who they are, where they are and what they do…. And that’s what we are here to do! So next time you need to buy something here's a few reasons of why you should #thinklocalfirst . . . .
1. SPENDING LOCALLY BOOSTS THE LOCAL ECONOMY
A lot of research tells us that local independent businesses re-invest more into their local community compared to larger chains. Why? Often the individuals who own and run these businesses live locally too so have a personal interest in investing in the community that they are living in. This means that when you support local businesses you have more of an impact on the economy and environment than you may think!
“Research shows that £10 spent with a local independent shop means up to an additional £50 goes back into the local economy. This is simply because the nearby shop owners, who you are spending your money with, will then put that money back into your local community by going into local pubs and restaurants etc, thus circulating the money and allowing your community to thrive.” Small Business, 2018
Similarly, a thriving high street is reported to boost local houses prices too. As a result, by shopping locally and supporting local traders, you are in fact investing in your home as well as our high street & other local businesses/services!
2. IT SUPPORTS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Through making the most of products and services that available on our doorsteps, we are less likely to need to use our cars or public transport and therefore, reduce our carbon emissions and air pollution. There are also a number of TRC businesses, such as the Deli at No5 and Jolly Wholefoods who work hard to source local produce & cut down on plastic use which reduces their environmental impact of sourcing produce and running their businesses.
3. IT HELPS CREATE NEW JOBS
Nearly all of our participating businesses are run by members of our local community. Research shows that small business employers are more likely to pay a higher average wage than larger chains and therefore, through supporting local independents we can help businesses expand & create new jobs.
4. IT HELPS KEEP THE LOCAL ECONOMY VIBRANT & DIVERSE
Through supporting independents, you are supporting the makers, artisans, creatives & entrepreneurs who are working hard to provide unique high-quality products and services which you won't necessarily find at large chains. If you walk around the town centre we are lucky to have a fantastic selection of Independents such as Anna McDonald Bridal Gallery, Piece of Cake, Greens Furnishings, Powder, Bizzie Lizzie, The Deli at No5, Rumseys, House of Spice, Jolly Wholefoods, Umberto's, The Bookhouse, What’s Cooking, Atalay, Gallant, From, Bizzie Lizzie, Tilly Nilly, Treacles, The Woodwork Trading Ltd, PetCare, Eclipse and many more! There are SO many more who don’t have a physical high street presence but are online or nearby!
5. IT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY
Through big business advertising, we are often be led to believe that it is cheaper to shop in a supermarket or travel out of town. However, when you take into account travel costs, general wear and tear on your vehicle or, if buying online, delivery costs, it can work out the same or even more expensive. Supermarkets have the ability to bombard us with deals and promotions because they can purchase in such large scales to reduce their unit costs. But one thing that isn’t factored in is QUALITY. Local businesses often source high quality local produce and charge a very reasonable price for it. Hannah & Joe who own and run The Deli at No5 source all of their products in the UK and lots of them are local.
Don’t forget that if you sign up to Thame Rewards Club you can receive exclusive offers and incentives to reward and save you money when you shop local too!
6. IT STRENGTHENS BUSINESS NETWORKS
Thriving local businesses often work in partnership with other local businesses to utilise their expertise. This results in generating further growth and enhancing that business and the service and/or products it provides.
7. IT HELPS BUILD COMMUNITIES
Local Independent Businesses often get involved in community events either through hosting, participating or sponsoring. This can lead to creating new community events & festivals.
8. INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES CARE!
At Thame Rewards Club we are lucky to have a collection of long established independents. For businesses to survive, they need to maintain a strong reputation and this is only achieved through providing high quality services and products as it keeps customers coming back..and don't forget the power of positive word of mouth! When its local owners running local businesses, they are naturally more invested in doing a good job as it's their livelihood and their reputation.
So it's simple. . .
SHOP LOCAL
SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
GET REWARDED
SIGN UP AND BECOME A MEMBER OF THAME REWARDS CLUB
WANT TO DISCOVER LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES - VIEW OUR DIRECTORY
WANT TO BECOME A THAME REWARDS CLUB MEMBER - SIGN UP HERE
WANT TO GET INVOLVED AS A PARTICIPATING BUSINESS - FIND OUT HOW HERE
READ MORE OF OUR SPOTLIGHT BLOG - VIEW IT HERE