Love Your Town? Support Your Town. Why Shopping Local Matters More Than Ever
We hear it all the time—“There’s nothing to do here.” “I wish our town had more places to shop.” “Why do all the good businesses close?”
The reality is, if we don’t support what we already have, we won’t have it for long.
Small businesses don’t just survive on good intentions. They need real, consistent support to stay open, to grow, and to provide more of the things people want in our community. Every time you choose to spend your money online or in a big-box store instead of locally, that’s money leaving our town—money that could have been reinvested to create new businesses, expand existing ones, and make our community a place people are excited to live in and visit.
So what can we do? It’s simpler than you think.
How You Can Help Save Local Businesses
Shopping small doesn’t have to mean only shopping local. It’s about making intentional choices whenever possible. Here are some easy ways to keep our community thriving:
1. Buy Local, Even in Small Ways
You don’t have to completely change your shopping habits—just be more mindful about where your money goes.
Love coffee? Instead of grabbing a mass-produced cup from a chain, stop by our local coffee shops (Bloom, Crazy Llama, Joplin Avenue, Joplin Greenhouse, Zinc, and many others), where they roast or source their own beans.
Need fresh bread? Sign up for a monthly sourdough subscription with Forest & Field instead of picking up a loaf at the supermarket.
Celebrating a special occasion? Treat yourself to dinner at Wilder’s Steakhouse instead of driving out of town.
These small decisions add up in a big way for local businesses.
2. When You Shop Local, You Support People – Not Just Stores
Every local business is owned by someone who lives here, works here, and invests in the community. When you buy from a small shop, you’re helping a local family pay their mortgage, a high school student earn their first paycheck, or a passionate entrepreneur grow their dream.
And it doesn’t stop there—small businesses give back more than big corporations. They sponsor kids’ sports teams, donate to local fundraisers, and create jobs that keep our community strong.
3. Stop Looking for Convenience – Start Looking for Impact
We get it—online shopping is easy. You can click a button and have something delivered to your doorstep. But what if you could get the same product, at the same price, while keeping your money in town?
Many local stores (including us!) can special order exactly what you’re looking for, even if we don’t have it on the shelf.
You get the same great product, without sacrificing expert service and personalized support.
And best of all, your money stays local, helping businesses grow and offer even more options in the future.
4. Spread the Word & Engage
Supporting small businesses isn’t just about spending money—it’s also about spreading awareness and engagement.
Leave positive reviews. They help businesses get discovered and attract new customers.
Follow & share on social media. A simple post or recommendation goes a long way in bringing new people in the door.
Tell your friends. Personal recommendations are the #1 driver of small business success.
Final Thought: Your Choices Shape Your Community
If you want more businesses, more restaurants, more shopping, and more activities in our town, it starts with supporting the ones that are already here.
Entrepreneurs can’t grow if they’re constantly struggling just to survive. But with your support—whether it’s choosing local over online, shopping small when you can, or simply telling others about a great experience—we can create a town full of thriving businesses, unique experiences, and a stronger sense of community.
Your support matters more than you know. Choose local today, so it’s still here tomorrow.