Poll: Will You Shop Locally For The Holidays?

With the holidays just around the corner, we’re all looking for some great deals this holiday season. And with the economy in the tank, local leaders are reminding constituents that shopping local is an important part of keeping money in the community. In a lot of instances, you’ll find better deals. But even if you pay a little more at the register, the money stays in the community, keeping people employed, helping the neighborhood thrive, and funding important local services.

For every $100 spent in local shops, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If half of the employed population were to spend $50 a month in local stores, that will generate $42.6 billion a year, according to The 3/50 Project.

Small business success is critical to the nation’s overall economy, as well. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses create two out of three jobs each year and have created 64 percent of the new jobs in the past 15 years.

So for today’s poll, we’re asking if you’re considering shopping locally for the holiday season. We hope you will, and support the important businesses that give our neighborhood character and revenue.