My husband and I are really big on supporting local businesses, particularly coffee shops, bookstores, and restaurants.  Don’t get me wrong — we love our Starbucks and Barnes & Nobles, but nothing beats the atmosphere in a unique, hip, independent joint.

Here are some good reasons why you should support indie businesses:

• They usually offer better quality.  Many people are beginning to realize that the massive chains and obsessively low prices of convenience stores like Wal-Mart usually skimp on quality.  Independent and local shops, though, need to create customer loyalty much more than Wal-Mart.  I think that’s why the quality at little mom-and-pop shops always seem to be so much better than their chain competitors.
• They offer a friendlier atmosphere.  A lot of chain stores try to achieve the friendly atmosphere of a mom-and-pop store, but they usually don’t succeed.  Long-standing indie stores tend to have devoted, local employees and an atmosphere unique to the neighborhood.
• Nice little extras.  Independent stores often offer little conveniences and extras free of charge — whereas highly commercialized chain stores want to exploit every possible way to maximize profits.  A great example is Internet access.  Wifi window stickers on indie coffee shops and bookstores often advertise free Internet access.  If you look at the wifi stickers on chain stores, however, the price is conveniently hidden — you don’t find out how much it’ll be until you go in and commit yourself to the visit!

Local, independent businesses need your support if they are going to survive.  Don’t send your money straight into some CEO’s well-lined pockets — instead, keep it in the community and take care of others who live and work in your area.

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