Commentary: Keep Portsmouth strong – support your local merchants
After having just celebrated Independent Retailer Month in July, I want to remind people of the importance and many benefits of supporting local merchants year-round. One of the best things about Portsmouth and the Seacoast area is the number of small local merchants that drive our local economy and help to create more sustainable communities.
As the owner of a boutique home décor store, Avelon Home, located on Deer Street in downtown Portsmouth, I rely upon and appreciate the support of my local customers. The last few pandemic years have been difficult on local business and most would not have survived without the loyalty of local customers. But when people “shop local,” there are tremendous benefits, both for community building and local economic development.
According to Indie Retailer Month, every $100 spent at local independent retailers generates an additional $45 of secondary local spending. This compares to only $14 for a big-box retailer. And, an Andersonville Study of Retail Economics demonstrates that local businesses generate 70% more local economic activity per square foot than chain retailers. Furthermore, local buying reduces environmental impacts. Communities with more local businesses log 26% fewer automobile miles. There are many more studies and statistics that show that the best way to maintain economically strong, vibrant and sustainable communities is to shop locally.
Local retail businesses keep our community unique and create a distinct local character. Shopping locally offers you more expertise and better service. At my store, I work every day to create an exceptional shopping experience. Each day I develop relationships with my customers, which allows me to constantly offer them the goods and services they are searching for. And when they have a unique home decorating challenge I work collaboratively with them, sharing my expertise and knowledge, to provide a solution. I have found the same is true for me when I shop locally.
The next time you are thinking about purchasing something, instead of buying something from a large online retailer, consider investing in the community by shopping locally. The Seacoast has many great options to shop locally and we all rely on your business. And, most local businesses, including my own, have a significant online presence through social media tools such as Instagram and Facebook Shop, making it easy to find us 24/7.
Many of my local customers found out about my shop through my Instagram page, where I post images and information about my home goods along with funny and informative reels. I often discover new stores and other local services through social media and it is just much more satisfying to interact with local merchants and know that your purchase is supporting the beautiful area in which we live and work.
Let’s make every month Independent Retailer Month by shopping local to keep Portsmouth and the Seacoast a strong, vibrant, and sustainable community. I hope to see you soon shopping in downtown Portsmouth and please stop into my store to say hello.
Taylor Amaio Fletcher is an artist & designer, professional photographer and owner of Avelon Home located on Deer Street in Downtown Portsmouth.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Commentary: Keep Portsmouth strong – support your local merchants
