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Benefits to Shopping Locally.

Citizens and cities across America are alarmed at the negative impact chain stores are having on their local economy. However, shopping locally is much more than just an economic decision. We, as consumers, have an opportunity with each purchase we make to lessen the impact of future tax increases by shopping in Jones County.

Residents should consider the following benefits to shopping locally:

  • The power of Choice. Every time you make a purchase, you're exercising the power of choice
  • You can choose to line the pockets of huge multinational corporations or you can choose to invest your money right here in Gray where it will directly benefit your neighbors and enrich our community.

  • Builds and encourages local character. Independent businesses typically turn the tables on cookie-cutter chain stores and restaurants, in terms of architecture, atmosphere, even products and services. Independent business is at the heart of any great city’s personality, and allows people to feel a sense of place while increasing their quality of life.

  • Community well-being and sustainability. Chains come and go without regard to the impact on the community. Empty shopping areas are created in your community when chain stores relocate to a more lucrative shopping center, or leave altogether, giving that section of town a blight appearance and drives down property values. Locally owned businesses are invested in the community and are in for the long haul.

  • Job Growth. Sure, big businesses say they bring new jobs to a community, but for every two jobs national retailers bring to a community, three jobs are lost as a result of local businesses closing down.

  • Recycling dollars in the local community. When you shop locally-owned businesses, your money is re-circulated over and over and creates up to 75 percent more tax revenue to the community and state. Independent businesses raise the standard of living in a community because they take their profits and buy products and services from other local businesses, such as accountants, carpenters, sign makers, dress makers and more. According to some civic economics studies, for every $100 spent in a local business $42 remains in the community. Conversely, for the same $100 spent in a chain store only $13 remains. Check with the Jones County Chamber of Commerce for more up to date information.

  • Entrepreneurship. Every local business is built by an entrepreneur by its definition. Anyone with an idea and some drive can start a businesses, it’s as much a part of the American Dream as owning a house. Thriving economies embrace entrepreneurship as a vehicle for economic growth.

  • Environmental health. Local businesses care about the environment because they live here, many for multiple generations. Local companies know that being a good steward of the environment is a business imperative if they want to survive and prosper. Organic and sustainable farming is just one example of an industry where local business leads the way.
  • Competition. Basic economic theory tells us that when choices are limited to fewer and fewer retailers, prices will rise. With no competition to reign in prices, chain stores control what you pay.

  • Product diversity. Independent stores can tailor their products and services to their communities and often will carry products chain stores refuse to carry. Imagine life when your choices could be limited to the purchasing department’s decisions in some other region of the country.

  • Public cost. Millions of dollars of tax revenue subsidies handed to chains by financially-starved local governments drain even more tax revenue from our community and state. Local businesses pay their own way, and are therefore a much better deal for our municipalities.

  • Cultural impact. Independent businesses are unique enterprises that contribute to the character of a community by offering diverse goods and services including ethnic and global products that may be in demand in a certain region.

Everyone can make a difference in our community by supporting local businesses. A portion of all county services, such as schools, libraries, county government, ambulance and fire service and all others are funded by revenue from your sales taxes. Please take the time to browse our online directory where it is easy for you to find independent businesses who are ready to serve your needs.

If you’re an Entrepreneur and would like more information on how to start a business in Jones County, click here for more information.