May 26Ten Great Reasons to...
Shop Crete First
WE LOVE CRETE! We love the people, the historic architecture, the hometown atmosphere and especially the unique businesses that give Crete its distinct character.
Shop Crete First is a network of locally owned, independent businesses joined together to keep money and character in our neighborhood and build a thriving local living economy. We are working with cities across the country in initiating a "Local First" campaign to educate consumers about the importance of making locally-owned businesses their first choice for any product or service.
Locally, owned, independent businesses are a key sign of a healthy community.
Support this Shop Crete First Campaign by purchasing Crete Cash for yourself or as a gift!
- Keep money in the neighborhood
A recent study showed that locally owned businesses recirculate 70% more money back into the local community than chain stores, per square foot occupied. A space filled with a local business rather than a chain puts more dollars back into YOUR neighborhood.
- Embrace what makes us different
Crete is a village of neighborhoods. Where we shop, where we eat and hang out - all of it makes our neighborhoods home. Chain businesses change the character or our neighborhoods. If we wanted to live someplace that looked like everywhere else, we wouldn't be living in Crete.
- Get better service
In a local business, you know the person behind the counter, and they know you. They have a deep understanding of the products they're selling, and they take time to serve their customers.
- Create and keep good jobs
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and small businesses account for the vast majority of job growth. Locally owned businesses are far less likely to pull up stakes and move operations to another city or country, taking their jobs with them.
- Promote competition and diversity
A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based on the needs of their local customers and not on a national sales plan, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
- Help out the environment
Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases, requiring less transportation, and they generally set up shop in commercial corridors rather than developing on the fringe. This means less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.
- Support community groups
Nonprofits receive and average 350% more support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.
- Put your taxes to good use
Local businesses in neighborhoods need comparatively less infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.
- Vote with your dollars
A study in Austin, TX showed that if each household redirected just $100 of planned holiday spending from chain stores to locally owned merchants, the local economic impact would reach approximately $10 Million.
- Invest in the community
Local businesses are owned by people who live here, work here, and are invested in the community with much more than just their dollars. They care about their community!