Five BIG Reasons to Shop Small in Paris, Illinois

Nov 27

Imagine for a moment what Paris, Illinois, would be like without any of its small, local businesses. Vintage shops, hair salons, boutique clothing stores, cafes, restaurants, the local farmers market – all gone.

What would be left?

The streets would be desolate, depressing, and abandoned… like the zombie apocalypse. But more than that, the economy would suffer, the selection of goods would turn us all into robot Stepford wives, and the community at large would feel disconnected.

Small businesses have a BIG impact on the way we live and interact with each other, and it's a reason to take notice and support their efforts. But what exactly are the benefits of shopping small, and why should you do it on Small Business Saturday and every day of the year?

Five BIG Reasons to Shop Small in Paris, Illinois

1. You'll have a better experience at a local establishment

Most business owners are passionate about what they do and eager to serve! Plus, they rely on a local following to keep business up and running, so it's nice to know you'll be shopping in a store that is genuinely happy to assist you and cares that you get just what you need.

2. Small businesses offer a better selection

You may think that you'll receive the best selection from a big chain store, but the opposite is usually true. Local stores carry inventory you can't find anywhere else, and they choose products based on what their customers want, often carrying unique items from local artists and/or farmers.

3. Local businesses give back to the community

When you spend money in your area, your sales tax is used to help fund and provide vital services such as police and fire protection, street repairs, and even trash pickup. But also, on average, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally since most business owners live, shop, eat and buy from the community.

4. Business owners provide jobs

More than half of the U.S.'s jobs since 1995 were created by small businesses. And according to the SBA, since 1990, big-box companies have eliminated 4 million jobs, while small businesses added 8 million. The more you shop at a local store, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide.

5. Small businesses create a sense of connectedness

You're much more likely to get to know a small business owner than the owner of a big chain corporation. And doesn't it feel nice to frequent your favorite place where "everybody knows your name?" I know we would much rather have a Honeybee Latte made with love from Sweet Vintage than a so-so overpriced coffee drink from a national chain.

How you can make a difference for small businesses

The next time you are out and about, try the following...

Pick up a cup of coffee or a sweet treat from a local shop
Buy a gift from a local artist
Post about it on social media (tags and hashtags included)
Tell your friends and family about it so the good news can spread!

Shop Small at these local businesses in Paris, Illinois

The Cherry Tree
We Li Kit Farmstand
Circle H Honey
Joe’s Pizza
Betty Jane's Kitchen
Ol' Hairitage
Dalbey Designs
Main Street Cafe
ONP SIGNS
Dye Hard Babes
Larkfield Glass

Crow's Corner
The Etc Shoppe
L&A Family Farms
B & B Produce
Ellie & Olive
Lot 50 Brewing
Stagecoach Coffee
Lil' Buds n' Blossoms
KBG Deli
Rhodes Christmas Shop
Los Tres Caminos
San Marcos

Kurly Q
Ruth White's Beauty Shop & Country Craft Boutique
On the Tracks Café
Schmitt Family Tree Farm
Rocky’s Italian Bistro
Tech Doc’s Depot
Savoia’s
Ella’s Resale
Tuscany
Yellow Block Mercantile

Know of another small business, not on the list? Share in the comments below!