Why Should I Shop Locally? Article

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Why Should I Shop Locally?

Find out the community and personal benefits of shopping locally.

Author: Hayley Jones

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I’m not sure that anyone would suggest that shopping in a large, impersonal supermarket offers the same positive shopping experience as wandering down a friendly high street or around a bustling market, but the convenience of a one-stop-shop is often appealing. We all seem to have to less spare time, so shopping online or in large supermarkets is seen to be a way of saving time, and this can sometimes be the case. There is much to be said, however, for shopping locally, both in terms of where you shop and also where the produce comes from.

Finding time can be difficult, but behind choosing supermarket shopping there is also perhaps an element of being out of the habit of shopping in local grocery stores and also not taking the opportunity to shop little and often when passing shops as a matter of course. Unfortunately, by moving away from the local greengrocers, butchers, bakers and fishmongers, over the years many small town and village high streets have become ghost towns with fewer shops and therefore less community activity. There is, however, something of a resurgence towards local shopping, but the stores need to be supported if they are to be retained. Local markets are also a lovely way to spend an hour or two whilst picking up local produce, providing a great community atmosphere. If we don’t want to see these colourful high streets and lively markets disappear we must appreciate their value and support them with our trade.

As well as being important socially to communities, the produce sold in smaller high street stores and on markets is also often locally produced as well as fresher than that offered in large supermarket chains. This in turn supports the local and regional economy and provides consumers with delicious, fresh produce which is not necessarily more expensive than that offered in the supermarket.

In terms of local produce, the increasingly popular vegetable box schemes are also worth considering. These provide the convenience of ordering online but usually offer local, often organic, produce at competitive prices, and many are now also offering dairy, meat and store cupboard products.

Supermarket shopping undoubtedly has its benefits in terms of convenience, but if we are to preserve our vibrant communities we need to think about looking closer to home for our shopping. The benefits to communities are clear, and the advantages of fresh produce often available at competitive prices also make local shopping an attractive proposition on an individual level.

About Author

Hayley Jones is the Web Marketing Director for http://www.uk-energy-saving.com, the consumer website offering information on energy saving and green living.

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