The advantages of shopping locally
In addition, local shopping can offer a more personal shopping experience, allow for a greater degree of personalization, and promote sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, but it can also provide a boost to small businesses that may be struggling after the global pandemic and the War in Ukraine.
Ultimately, shopping local is a great way to support the community, discover unique products, and save some money.
Il Centro Commerciale Naturale di Cuglieri
Il Centro commerciale naturale of Cuglieri, active since 2018, was created with the idea of fostering the development of the territory and creating a network between merchants, residents and tourists who gravitate to the area every year.
To this day, the members of the CCN of Cuglieri are just over 20 but in constant progression, located between Cuglieri, Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, S’Archittu and Torre del Pozzo.
Numerous are the events and actions undertaken by the members: operation clean beaches, purchase of defibrillators and wheelchairs for the disabled, musical events, cine-forums, fireworks shows and much more, all made possible thanks to cooperation between merchants and funding from the Region of Sardinia dedicated to CCNs.
The advantages of buying local vs. online shopping
Although the Internet has made shopping easier and more convenient than ever, it is important to remember that these advantages also come with some disadvantages.
For example, when shopping online, consumers cannot try on clothes, feel the fabric or get an idea of the quality. They cannot see the color in person or ask an expert about a product.
They cannot taste a product or get real advice.
Buying online is convenient, but it is also impersonal.
When you buy locally, you have the opportunity to connect with the product and the people who make and sell it.
So if you have always wanted a more personalized shopping experience or are frustrated by the lack of customer service of many online retailers, shopping locally is a great option.
It allows you to see, touch and feel the products before you buy them and gives you the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the people behind the products.
Advantages of shopping locally
As we have seen, the advantages of shopping in one’s own country are countless. Let’s take a closer look at some of these benefits.
- 1 Strengthening the local economy – When you shop locally, you are likely to spend a greater percentage of your income in-country. This means that more of your money will stay in the community and benefit local businesses and employees.
- 2 Support small businesses – Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but they are also very vulnerable. When times are tough, small businesses are often the first to go under because they lack access to capital. When the global pandemic hit, this was one of the main concerns of people and merchants.
- 3 Enhancing local character – Local merchants and businesses are what gives a town its unique character. They are what bring the town to life and make it a place where you want to spend time. When you buy from the big retail chains, you rob the area of its character. Maybe you get the same product, but you lose a unique experience
Provides a more personal shopping experience
When you buy locally, you have the opportunity to interact with the product and the people who make or sell it. Instead of ordering online and waiting for the package to arrive, you can walk into a store, try the products, and talk to the owner or salesperson. This makes the shopping experience much more personal and enjoyable.
Allows a greater degree of customization – You may not necessarily get the exact same product online that you would get in a store. Although you can sometimes find a color option or size variation on different online sellers, you usually cannot get the same level of customization that you can get in a store. This means that by buying locally you can get the exact product you want. Have you ever purchased a pair of sunglasses online for example? How many times have you returned them because when worn they were not what you expected?
Promotes sustainable practices-When you buy from small businesses, you help promote sustainable business practices. Support companies that focus on the environment and sustainable resource management. This means you are likely to find products made with quality materials or that use less water or electricity than other products.
In addition, the environmental impact generated by shipping and product returns is high.
Helping small businesses after the pandemic
When the global pandemic hit, many retailers and brands were decimated. While some retailers managed to stay afloat, many were forced to close their doors.
This left countless employees out of work, many with families to feed. Small businesses are often the first to go when times are tough, leaving people out of work.
By shopping locally, you have the opportunity to buy products from these small businesses and help them stay afloat in these difficult times. When you store locally, you have the opportunity to get to know the people who work in these stores and learn more about the products.
This means that you can get a better product and depending on the product at a lower price. The benefits to the retailer are numerous, including increased brand recognition and a better customer experience.
Conclusions
Ultimately, shopping local is a great way to support the community, discover unique products, and save money. It is also a great way to get to know the community and the people in it.
So, if you have always wished you could shop in your neighborhood or if you are frustrated by the lack of customer service of many online retailers, shopping local is a great option. It allows you to see, touch, and feel the products before you buy them and gives you the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the people behind the products.
