In the enchanting tapestry of our community, each thread – our local businesses – plays a critical role in shaping the vibrant picture of our economy. Today I write to you, the heart and soul of our cities, to underscore a simple but powerful truth: the choices we make about how we spend our money can either feed or unravel this web.
Buying local isn’t just a buzzword; It is a lifeline for our community. When you buy from local businesses, your money doesn’t just disappear into the ether. It circulates, reproduces and breathes life into our economy. Every dollar spent at a local business or service can circulate multiple times throughout our community, supporting local jobs and encouraging the growth of other businesses. In other words, if you like the cute little shops in Dexter, Chelsea, and Saline, you need to shop there or they won’t be around in the future.
Serendipity Books in Chelsea.
I’ve been working on a project with a group I’m a part of, and we recently received some outside help. A few weeks ago, a friend in the group said, “Let’s send a thank you card and an Amazon gift card.” Although I loved the feeling of generosity, I was disappointed that Amazon was the first thought of an easy-to-give gift.
When we choose global giants like Amazon and Walmart, we unknowingly become part of a cycle in which our hard-earned money leaves our community and never returns. It’s a giant vacuum cleaner sucking money out of our small towns. Yes, the convenience and often lower prices offered by these retail giants are tempting, but at what cost to our local structure?
Husband and wife team Steven and Marissa Turchin, who have over 40 years of combined experience in the jewelry industry, are the owners of Dexter’s Turchin Jewelers.
Our local businesses are more than just shops and services. They are the dreams of our neighbors, the legacy of our families and the character of our city. They offer a personal touch, a sense of belonging and an investment in our shared future. When they thrive, our community thrives, radiating prosperity, opportunity and a sense of shared success.
But let’s face the harsh reality. Our local businesses find themselves in a David vs. Goliath battle against the convenience and pricing of global retailers. But unlike the classic story, this battle will not be won by a single heroic act, but by collective, consistent decisions by each and every one of us. The decision to buy a book at the local bookstore, a dress at the corner boutique, or a coffee at the neighborhood coffee shop may seem insignificant on its own, but taken together, these decisions are a huge victory for community resilience .
Take a look at the many candy options that await you at Eleanor’s Sweets and Sodas in Saline. They have incredible hosiery!
This is not just a call for economic prudence; It is a plea for community solidarity. It’s about choosing the unique over the ubiquitous, the personal over the impersonal. It’s a sign of the diversity of our local economy, in contrast to the homogenization of global retail.
As you plan your next purchases this holiday season, I strongly encourage you to stop and think about the implications. Let us weave a strong, resilient economic fabric together. Our decisions matter. Let’s make sure they are valuable to our community. Choose Zou Zou’s over Starbucks, Turchin Jewelers or LaJolla over Jerod. Go to RU Game instead of ordering from GameStop.
Let’s vote locally together. Let’s choose community.
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