For each $100 a person spends in a locally owned business, $45 remains in the community and is reinvested in other local businesses. $100 at a chain generates $13 to re-circulate in the community, and $100 online generates nothing for our community. If all 70,000 people in Fayetteville diverted $100 to a local business that they would have spent at a chain, $2,240,000 (45-13 multiplied by 70,000) more dollars will stay in Fayetteville. $200 each would of course double that, etc. $100 locally instead of online would keep $3,150,000 circulating in our community and collect sales taxes.
The Fayetteville Independent Business Alliance (FIBA) promotes the social and economic benefits of shopping locally. The disappearance of locally owned, independent businesses leaves a social and economic void that is palpable and real, even when it is unmeasured. The quality of life in Fayetteville changes in ways that seem subtle but the changes in the nature of our community are profound. Most people embrace the idea of distinctive businesses with local character, but often forget that the survival of these businesses depends on your patronage.
Buy local whenever possible. Every time you spend a dollar at locally owned, independent businesses you not only enhance the cultural vitality of our community, but also help build a stronger local economy. Help us keep Fayetteville from becoming “Anywhere, USA.”
