One Practical Local Shopper

For the past year I've been trying to make a more conscious effort to buy locally. This isn't always easy, cost effective, or convenient but in the end your community benefits more when you make the effort to shop locally.

Shopping local isn't a new movement but I think it's one that tends to be forgotten about when a new big-box store opens up in a city/town. The new store is a novelty so people tend to flock to it in droves. I like this post on 10 Reasons to Shop Local by greenUPGRADER. Everyone knows that it supports local business owners but I love that they find you tend to get better customer service and how local shops build character in a city - AGREE!



Katwalk Shoes - photo from the Edmonton Journal

I like using the website Live Local Alberta to help me on my local shopping quest. Not only does it help me find locally owned shops and places to dine but it also showcases local events, and promotions.

Since buying local isn't always the cheapest alternative I go on their email lists and Facebook pages to get notified when they are having a big sale. I've found some amazing deals this way and feel extra good about watching my budget while still helping my local economy.

I will be the first to admit that I don't buy everything locally. There are certain items that seem difficult to find in anywhere but a nationwide big-box store, or US big-box store but I do limit my trips to those types of stores as much as I can. Now if I could just get Waves to use Tazo chai mix then I'd take all my business over there!

So take a drive in your surrounding communities to see what unique, locally-owned stores are closest to you. It's how I found my favourite shoe shop, children's clothing shops, cheese shop, and home décor shops. I hope you have some success finding some gems in your own community.

Everything Cheese - photo from the Edmonton Journal