Do you support local businesses?

Hi polachicago! I do believe that it can really help lift the town's economy. Here in our country, we are all pushing to patronize our local products so that it can help the small business of the locals. If we patronize local goods, these small local business can pay taxes and in turn help the local government to push through with other projects for its constituents. Take Care and God Bless! Happy Mylotting!

I have made a concentrated effort to buy more things made in America. I've also tried to buy more locally grown food. We have had so many recalls of foreign products, that that is an extra reason to buy nationally and locally. I do what I can afford to do, but helping our economy is on my mind when I shop.

I would but it seems that it costs more to do this and im living paycheck to paycheck as it is. Im gonna have to stick to buying the cheapest i can for now.

I do believe that that's the best to help the economy, buy and favour local products. That is what we do here, but our government is stupid and does the different thing. Rice is an example for that, they keep on promoting those imported one's which are obviously a lot expensive instead of purchasing our locally produces rice. I believe that people are wise, but sometimes poor governance only makes the country and it's people dumb. But I am not and I know there are others that are like me as well, we'll do our best to help our local producers to help them..

Yes...for most of my shopping I do shop locally. The only time I don't is when I have traveled to see my friend or sisters and that is included in the entertainment part of a weekend or day....but I believe you should support your local businesses.

I like to support the "little guy" whenever possible. I would much rather give my money to someone local than to someone in another state, and especially, someone in another country.

of course it will surely do..thats one way only in helping the economy..and thats a good plan..

I agree. I always try to support local businesses first!

As you all my know I have been with a personal trainer and have been working out and all that healthy stuff... eating habits la la la... hence why I have not been on here for over 3 months. I was in Wal-Mart the other day purchasing some Wild Alaskan Salmon... and as a good student of my trainer I checked to see where it came from... Alaska right?.... ALASKAN Salmon.... nada. It was "Made in China". I was like how the h***???? So I checked another brand... same thing... checked the expensive brand... New Zealand... I have no idea. The other thing is Target. I don't know of ONE THING that is sold in there that is not made in China... India and China are the countries fueling this gasoline crisis and we are allowing this influx of crap into our countries. The other day I found a website.... http://www.madeinusa.org/ and I thought that was a great idea... stores should have "Made in the USA" sections or something similar that will help us to take care of our own economy. RIGHT NOW I am wearing a shirt of America in the American Flag... from Faded Glory... Made in Hondorus. Another...http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9721354 IMPORTED. That's MY flag!!! Ugghhh. It is difficult but we should support LOCAL OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES that sell their wares. They may have to buy the Tees from overseas but the logo and the business (and the money) goes to them. It's a start. Thanks Zelo

Very patriot discussion though i am not american but working in company who supply garments to USA, but sure buying local product improve the economy Take care

It would definately help the smaller businesses that are struggling against major super/hypermarkets and if people do in fact shop locally in individual shops they will find bargains. Recently I was looking for a new laundry basket in Tesco our supermarket it was £6.47, I managed to find one downtown for £1.47 so these large stores lull us into a false sense of security that they are cheaper. They are but only on some items. I also find buying locally you can get much better quality cuts of meat, fruit and veg as most is locally produced also. It keeps these family busineses from becoming yet another charity shop (don't get me wrong charity shops are good but not when every other shop is). It would help to bering the econmony of the local area so I suppose it would have a knock on effect elsewhere too. Ellie :D

Interesting concept and I do support local when I can afford to. The problem is when you see all cheap foreign products competing with our domestic and local items available and factor in the rising cost of fuel and food and transportation it becomes very dificult to pay the inflated cost associated with being supportive. Until, the government reestablishes tarrifs and restrictions on imports the sales of cheap foreign products will continue to increase.

BAsiclly I am an INDIAN,and if you think i can help you in any aspect,iam ready.And i do agree with you when the economy is bad then we should support each other

yes. this will help. it is a big help to the economy if we will buy our own products. buying local products will increase its demand. and we know that the supplies must meet the demands. there will be an increase in employment to make sure that they produce more products. more employment means more taxes for the government. more taxes means more funds. more funds will lead to a better economy.

the best way to do is, go rummage sale, not only you help other people out, but you can help your self out, it would also save you a ton, i do that every summer stock up on stuff that i need. so in the winter time i shop less. plus owning a flee market, it also a good way to make a second income :)

I try to do this as well. Sadly, many of the local shops in my town don't make it (especially small book stores) but I do patronize them. I am done buying stuff made in China. I swear they are trying to poison us with all the tainted products!

Your idea is good and I buy local products as much as possible.Hope that my fellow countrymen would do that too.

I DO support local businesses, Pola, absolutely. I use a small local pharmacy for all my prescriptions, which are many. I live in an area with a lot of retail and restaurants and if I can buy something at one of the local places and get a decent price, then that's what I do. It's not feasible to buy everything in my own neighborhood, but I do all I can do. I think it's important. I'm trying to think, what else do I buy in my own little neighborhood? I use the two local bookstores. I buy my reading glasses at a local shop. I use the local dry cleaners. Like I said, I feel it's important and I do the best I can do, happily.

We are in a small town and have vowed to support the local businesses as much as possible. We are also small business owners and I believe we really need to stick together. Networking is the best way to get things done. Hopefully it will eventually make a positive difference in the local economy.

I try to buy everything locally. It can be hard since most of the cheap stuff is made in other countries. But I am part of a local program, "Community Supported Agriculture" or CSA, so I know my food is local at least. I support a local coffee shop that is fairtrade, etc. I really try to keep it as local as possible.