Here are just some of the many reasons that it makes sense to to shop locally:

Keep money in the neighborhood: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses.  This further stimulates our local economy.

Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.  Plus $2.00 from every Downtown Card purchased goes to support a local youth organization, currently Capital Playhouse.

Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place.

Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are one of the largest employers nationally and in Olympia, and local businesses offer greater loyalty to their employees.

Show the country we believe in Downtown Olympia: In an increasingly homogenized world, people are more likely to invest in or move to communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and unique attitude.

Get better service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers. 

Invest in community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

Encourage local prosperity: A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.