Today Is A Very Sad Day

During my afternoon break I decided to take a walk down Kirkwood to one of my favorite stores, The Wandering Turtle, but instead was met with this notice on the door: 

(I took this with my camera phone, so sorry about the quality.)

For those not familiar, The Wandering Turtle is an art gallery/ gift shop that believes in supporting artists and musicians in our Bloomington community (by offering a place to showcase and sell their work), as well as globally (through fair trade).  Only surviving eight years, 'the Turtle' had to close their doors due to lack of revenue and community support; a trend that has been sweeping our country as national chains replace independent businesses. 

With that, here are 10 reasons you should buy local:

1. Local Economic Stimulus.

Buying locally creates a domino effect-- the money small businesses receive can be used to purchase from other local businesses, service providers, and farms. 

2. Help Them Support You.

Local business owners are more likely to donate to local charities, non-profit organizations, and starving artists.

3. Local Business Owners Invest In Community.

Since local businesses are owned by people imbedded in the community, those individuals are less likely to skip town off to some Canadian province to elope with their eHarmony match.  These community-oriented people are invested in the community's welfare and future.

4. Keep Character in Our Communities.

One of a kind shops, restaurants, theaters, and markets give a community a unique and homey feel.  Every town has a Wal-Mart, but wouldn’t you rather show off your favorite coffee house or gift shop to visitors?

5. Environmental Impact Is Reduced.

Items in close proximity reduce the need to venture out of town to malls and shopping center.  Also with less contribution to the construction of new corporations, natural habitats are preserved loss and pollution is minimized.

6. Provided Jobs.

How nice would it be able to ride your bike to work?  Or what if your cocker spaniel needs to be let out at lunchtime.  If you had a local job, you could do both!

7. Customer Service Is Better.

Nobody likes to piss off people they are likely going to see again.  Additionally no business wants to be known as the crabby and careless shoe repair (or maybe the do… cough, cough). To avoid awkward situations, local business owners and employees are usually more conscious of the way they treat their customers.

8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs.

Local businesses require comparatively less transportation than chains.  They also more efficiently utilize public services.

9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices

Unlike the national agenda large retailers follow, lots of choices for small businesses leads to more competition which ensures innovation and and long term low prices.

10. Make More Happy Wandering Turtles!

It’s not an accident that small, local businesses are clustered in the middle of town. This consumer friendly epicenter provides a stimulating environment for wanderers (like myself :D ).    

The store is no longer part of Bloomington's downtown area, but you can still see some pretty amazing artists and learn about turtles on their website! Check it out!