Shop Local. It Matters
Strengthen your community
In todayâs increasingly digital-focused society, itâs more important than ever to envelop ourselves in community. Weâre often detached throughout much of our lives, hiding behind a screen, sending communication through the long maze of the internet. Because the internet plays such a significant role in most of our lives, itâs easy to shop there, too. But itâs not always the best choice ... especially when it comes to running.
OK, letâs back up a minute. Because this is starting to sound like a major sales piece. We promise itâs not. Itâs just that as runners, we crave a hub in our community where we can gather. It just so happens that more often than not, that hub also serves as a retail space. But thatâs not why we go there to begin with.
First, we go because we know itâs the place to meet like-minded folks to hit the roads, the track or the trail with. And then later, we go because our shoes are worn out, we need nutrition for a long run, we seek race advice or need a new fall layer. We shop there because âthereâ is where our community begins. We shop there because we know we can trust the salespeople on the floor because, like us, theyâre out putting in miles early on Saturday morning.
If this poetic tribute to running stores isnât enough to convince you to shop local, weâve got four more reasons why you should consider stepping inside your local running store a little more often.:
Dollars given to local businesses go back into the community
According to a 2011 article in Forbes magazine, 45 percent of every dollar spent at a local retailer goes directly back into the community. That means that every time you shop at a local business you truly are helping your communityâs economy grow and flourish. Whatâs more, according to the Small Business Administration, local companies drive a significant sector of the American workforce — upwards of 50 percent of all US jobs since the 1970s.
Local businesses offer unique products and services
Apply this directly to running shoes. Nothing compares to the in-store fit experience. Receiving a foot scan, experiencing a gait analysis and then talking over your options with a real, live person no doubt ensures that 9.9 times out of 10 youâre going to walk away with the right shoe for you. And when it comes to fitness and injury prevention over the long run, this is a really good thing.
Local businesses support other local businesses
If youâre shopping at a local establishment, chances are, theyâve partnered with at least a couple of other businesses around town to bring you unique services, products and opportunities that big box stores simply wonât provide. Take Fleet Feet Nashville for example. They sell a whole line-up of Nashville-specific t-shirts that highlight the local trail systems. Or, thereâs Fleet Feet Albany. They partner with a local coffee roaster to provide java discounts to their customers. Or, for yet another example, consider Fleet Feet West Hartfordâs unique CrossFit half marathon training program, which they partner with a local gym to create; it benefits both.
Local running stores (specifically) build communities
Running stores arenât in the business of only selling products. In fact, weâd argue that selling products is only a fraction of what we do. First, itâs about finding, fostering and growing the very communities in which we live. Itâs about being the hub for health and fitness. If youâre anything like us, chances are youâve met some of your very best friends through your local running store. So, suffice to say, running stores build community.
So, we say shop local, be a part of your community and watch it thrive.
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