Does Shopping Local Really Matter in La Grande?

The countdown to the holiday season has begun. And over the next few weeks we’ll all hear the words “shop local” dozens of times.

It’s an idea that most people embrace wholeheartedly. A recent article from Forbes found that Boomers (80%) and Gen X (77%) were all about buying from small businesses, with Millennials (70%) and Gen Z (65%) also making an effort.

But while shopping locally sounds like a good idea, what difference will it make in La Grande?

The Power of Small Businesses in La Grande

La Grande is the commercial and retail hub of Northeast Oregon, a state whose economy is driven by over 400,000 small businesses. According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, those small businesses represent 99% of all Oregon businesses, employing over half of the state’s workers.

Supporting them is essential for our economic vitality. A report found that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, a whopping $73 remains in that community.

Compare that to the $43 that remains when purchasing from a corporate chain. When multiplied over and over, that $33 difference has a huge impact, especially in rural areas like ours.

Each of those dollars support La Grande with increased tax revenue, which helps us improve our services and infrastructure while also providing jobs for people. The result? A higher standard of living that everyone can enjoy.

But it also has a deeper, personal impact. Almost every business started out as a small, local one. By supporting our talented makers during the gift giving season (and beyond), you’re becoming a part of their success story. 

Our Businesses Support Our Community

We all know the importance of consumers supporting small businesses, but we often forget that those small businesses support us, too. That’s why shopping locally functions as a two way street. Everyone benefits!  

It’s been noted that independent locally-owned businesses recirculate 48% of their revenue locally compared to 13% by corporate chains.

So, what does that mean for La Grande? When we buy local, we increase the demand for local goods and services. When that happens, wages, profits, and jobs also get a boost.

Dollar for dollar, when you shop local, you support economic growth, job creation, and one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops that add a vibrant dimension to the community.

These entrepreneurs are our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and students; folks who are often more than willing to roll up their sleeves and invest their time, money, and talents in support of our neighborhood. 

Do You Dream of Opening a Business in La Grande?

Do you dream of opening your own business? Do you want to expand your operations but don’t have the funding, connections, or know how?

Get in touch with us to learn more about financial incentives, grants, and business resources that will help turn that dream into a reality.

What are you waiting for?