do something ‘St Alberty’!
join the Shop Local Movement!
The Shop Local Movement is an essential component of St. Albert's growing and vibrant local economy.
When you choose to shop local, your dollars have a bigger impact. Local businesses tend to reinvest a larger portion of their revenue back into the community, supporting local jobs, services, and organizations. This creates a ripple effect that strengthens the community's financial health and fosters a sense of local pride. Additionally, shopping local allows you to discover unique products and services you won't find at national chains, adding to the distinct character of St. Albert.
By supporting local businesses, you're not just making a purchase, you're investing in the future of St. Albert!
invest in your community, reap the rewards!
Did you know that when you choose to shop local, you're not just making a purchase, you're making an investment in your community? It's true! Thanks to something called the Local Multiplier effect, your dollars have a much bigger impact when you shop at local businesses compared to national chains or online giants.
The Power of the Local Multiplier:
Think of it like this: when you spend money at a local business, that money stays local. Local businesses are more likely to use local suppliers, hire local employees, and reinvest their profits back into the community. This creates a ripple effect, circulating your dollars through the community 2-4 times more than money spent at a non-local company!
Local Dollars Create:
- More Local Wealth: As your dollars circulate, they generate income for local businesses, employees, and suppliers. This creates a stronger local economy and fosters prosperity.
- Increased Charitable Contributions: Local businesses are often more generous with charitable giving than national chains. Your support directly impacts local causes and organizations.
- More Jobs: Local businesses are significant job creators. By choosing local, you're directly supporting job growth in your community.
It's All About Where Your Money Goes:
The exact amount of local dollars recirculated can vary depending on the industry, location, and time. However, the average research shows a clear advantage: your dollars go further and have a bigger impact when you shop local. In St Albert, the average in recent years is roughly 58 cents per dollar spent at a local independent business that gets recirculated in the community compared to only 15 cents per every dollar spent at a chain retailer! Online giants? Zero, zilch, nada!
Make Your Dollars Count!
By shopping with and supporting local businesses, you're not just getting unique products and services; you're investing in your community's future. It’s time to Thrive Together!
What You Can Do
to be a Shop Local Hero!
- Choose locally owned, independent business first
- Leave positive reviews for local businesses on Google and ShopStAlbert.com
- Follow and share local business’s social media posts
- Subscribe to local newsletters
- Visit and bookmark local business websites
- Visit one new local business each week for a year
- Support the St Albert Farmers Market each summer
- Nominate a local business to be on the Shop Local website
- Introduce a friend or family member to a few of your favourite businesses
- Attend the St Albert Lifestyle Expo and Sale each Spring