4 Reasons to Shop Small and Local This Holiday Season

At this point, it's pretty fair to say that the holiday shopping season is in full swing. And ideally, you've been padding your savings account for quite some time to be able to buy the things you want and need.

Now, you may be inclined to do a fair amount of your holiday shopping at big-box retailers. After all, these stores can offer competitive prices because they see so many customers day in, and day out.

If you do most of your holiday shopping at small businesses in your area, you might end up spending a little more money than you would at larger retailers. But here's why it pays to shop small and local regardless.

1. You're putting money back into your community

When you support small businesses in your area, you help those businesses thrive. And that's a good thing, because you want an active business scene nearby.

Think about it this way. Let's say there's a bookstore in town that's forced to shutter due to a lack of business. If you then have to drive 15 minutes to the nearest bookstore, that's less convenient than strolling into town and visiting a shop three minutes away.

2. You're helping to create local jobs

Small businesses tend to hire locally. So let's say you have a teen who will soon be old enough to work. Would you rather they be able to walk a few blocks to an after-school job? Or do you want to have to spend the time and gas money to drive them to a big-box store 12 miles down the highway?

3. You're helping to maintain or increase your home's value

The more built-up a given neighborhood is, the more the homes there are likely to be worth. While it's true that an increase in property value could lead to a higher property tax bill for you, it also gives you more home equity to borrow against should that need arise. Plus, you may want to sell your home at some point. Wouldn't you rather it be worth more rather than less?

4. You might enjoy superior products and customer service

Big-box retailers see their fair share of business, and losing a customer here and there is generally not a big deal. Small businesses tend to see things differently. They tend to value their customers and go out of their way to deliver good customer service. You may enjoy a better experience when you shop at a local business.

Plus, while you might spend more at a small business, think about the quality of the products you're getting. You might find a pair of boots at a big-box store for $49.99, but they might only last you a year. You might spend $100 at a small business for a similar item. But if that purchase lasts four years, that's the better deal.

Shopping locally during the holidays may not be your most cost-effective bet. But there are other benefits to consider outside of near-term savings. A good 36% of Americans intend to shop on Small Business Saturday, according to recent data from Drive Research. If you care about your community, then you may want to seriously consider joining their ranks.