How Shopping Local Can Add Value to Your Home

by Bill Brunelle, Project Manager, Independent We Stand

There are a lot of reasons for consumers to shop local.  Local businesses return a higher percentage of revenue to the local community than mass merchants, contribute more to local charities and causes, and create more jobs.  But a recent study by American Express OPEN, also showed that home values in neighborhoods with strong independent retail districts grew at a much faster rate over a 14-year period than those without. 

To help local businesses tell this story, Independent We Stand, the national movement of local businesses and consumers dedicated to spreading the “buy local” message, has developed the Home Value Calculator.  The calculator gives homeowners an easy tool to determine how supporting their locally owned, independent businesses – and encouraging more to open in their areas – affects the value of their home.

The Home Value Calculator joins our Economic Impact Calculator, which shows the direct impact on the local economy if each family spent just $10 each month with a locally owned business instead of at a national chain. Both calculators are part of our ongoing campaign to educate American communities about the positive economic benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses whenever possible.

We certainly hope that you will join the cause and help revive your local economy by shopping at the locally-owned businesses in your community. Buy their products. Eat their food. Use their services. In turn, these locally owned and operated businesses will continually pump your hard-earned dollars back into the local economy by way of taxes, payrolls and purchases.  Not sure where how to find your local businesses?  Our local business search makes it easy to search by zip code and find a member business whether you are at home or on the road.  If you don’t find your favorite business, encourage them to join; it’s free!

Studies continue to prove that buying local can improve the economy - from the neighborhood level up. Independent business truly is the lifeblood of the American economy and we hope that you will join STIHL in joining the movement.