Why Shop Local

There is a big difference between a local CEO and a non-local CEO

When you buy from a small business, you’re doing more than making a transaction. You’re helping a real person—someone who probably lives right here in Stark County—pay their bills, feed their family, or send their kid to dance class.

Big chain stores? Your money usually gets sent out of town, to a corporate office somewhere else. But when you shop at a local boutique, hire a local dog trainer, or grab lunch at a local diner, that money stays in the community.

It circles around. The person you bought from might go grab coffee down the street, hire a local accountant, or buy supplies from another small business. The money just keeps moving in a local loop—and that’s good for everyone.

Pretend you had no money troubles and you were going to pay for a family to go to the beach. Is it better to support the family from out of the area or the family from Stark? Every dollar counts. Support local first.

Strong Local Economies Start With Local Dollars

Here’s a simple example:

Let’s say you spend $20 at a local bakery. That bakery uses part of that money to pay their baker, buy ingredients from another local source, or hire a neighborhood teen to sweep the floors. That teen goes and spends their money at the corner store. The store owner pays their utility bill to a local company. And so on.

It’s called the local multiplier effect—money spent locally keeps moving around locally.

Now let’s say you spent that same $20 at a big national chain. A small chunk might pay local wages, but most of it leaves Stark County and never comes back. The chain’s headquarters, suppliers, and shareholders are often out-of-state.

So the more we support local businesses, the more we all benefit. Streets stay busier. Schools stay funded. Jobs stay available. Community groups get sponsored. Local sports teams get jerseys.

It all connects.

Small Business Owners Support Each Other, Too

Running a small business isn’t easy. It takes heart, hustle, and a whole lot of trial and error.

But something magical happens when small business owners support each other.

They send customers back and forth:

• “You need custom shirts? Go see Gabble Design.”

• “Looking for dog training? Check out Brilliant Paws Ohio!”

• “Need help with bookkeeping? Call Fireside Tax.”

They collaborate. They share advice. They hold events together. They even trade services. This kind of community spirit makes the local business scene not just stronger—but more fun and creative.

When we support small businesses, we’re also supporting a network of dreamers, doers, and problem-solvers who are working hard to make our towns better.

Local Businesses Add Character to Our Communities

Every town has that one cool little shop. Or a diner with the best pie. Or a salon where they remember how you like your hair cut. You don’t find that kind of personality in giant stores that look the same in every city.

Local businesses make our communities unique.

They reflect our values, our culture, our history—even our sense of humor. They give us places to gather, chat, and connect with each other face-to-face (instead of just scrolling on our phones).

Without them? Our neighborhoods would lose some of their soul.

But Isn’t Shopping Local More Expensive?

Sometimes, yes.

You might pay $2 more for a paintbrush or a few cents more for coffee beans. But what you gain in service, quality, and impact is often well worth it.

Plus, local businesses are more likely to give back. They sponsor the little league teams, donate to school fundraisers, and care about what happens around town. Your money doesn’t just buy a product—it builds community.

And honestly? With the rising costs of everything, the price difference between local and big-box isn’t always as big as it seems.

The Bottom Line

Shopping local isn't just about where you spend your money—it's about how you want your community to grow.

Do you want a neighborhood full of empty storefronts and chain stores? Or do you want a place where your kids can meet shop owners by name, where neighbors support neighbors, and where every dollar does a little bit more?

Here at Stark Shops Local, we believe in keeping it close to home.

So next time you’re deciding where to spend your money, think about this:

• Who will care if you shop with them?

• Who will remember your name or face?

• Who will use your money to make Stark County a little better?

Support small. Shop local. It really does make a difference.