WHILE IT MIGHT BE TRUE that your locally owned stores can carry slightly higher price tags than national chains, paying them ensures your money is re-circulated throughout your community.

Being a part of the solution that helps feed the families in your neighborhood is far more rewarding than saving a couple of bucks.

According to the Center for Community and Economic Development, when dollars are spent locally, they can in turn be re-spent locally, raising the overall economic activity, providing higher salaries and building the local tax base.

Support the hometown heroes who operate with local resources by giving them your business.

Here’s a look at a few of the small businesses you likely have in your own backyard.

LOCAL GROCERY STORE

Most communities in the United States have several options when it comes to shopping for groceries. This makes it difficult for independent grocers to stay afloat and competitive against their big-box counterparts.

Aside from shopping in a family-friendly environment, the local grocery store in your neighborhood likely purchases produce from local farmers.

This means the fruits and vegetables on your family’s plates will be much fresher and healthier.

FLORIST

Flowers are a great way to show someone you appreciate them or to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed. When you decide to visit your local florist rather than a “flower department” or an e-commerce store, the experience will be much more personal.

Local florists have the expertise of creating beautiful masterpieces with locally grown flowers that are sure to be a topic of conversation. Plus, most have a reliable delivery service that will bring a bouquet to the doorstep of the recipient.

If you really want to impress the special someone in your life, a local florist will be much more involved and dedicated to the process.

BUTCHER VS. MEAT DEPARTMENT

Meat is typically the centerpiece of backyard barbecues and family meals. Purchasing your meat from a local butcher has several advantages over buying from the meat department in a national store.

If you spend some time talking to your local butcher, it is easy to see they have a deep appreciation for animals. Many will only purchase from farms where animals are treated respectfully.

You also will notice that the quality and selections of meats are much more involved. Don’t be surprised if you learn some incredible cooking tips from a professional butcher.