So as you know we go on a wee bit about the benefits of shopping local not only is it important for our own business but it is essential for a city like Glasgow to retain and grow its network of independent businesses - it is one of the things that can make us stand out from any other city (that and our brilliant banter!). Because we are so passionate about it and inspired by other places and campaigns that have set out to raise awareness of shop locally we thought Glasgow deserved its own campaign!
Shop Local Glasgow is an initiative to support and celebrate Glasgow's fantastic independent shops and businesses. It has always been an aim of Braw Wee Emporium to raise awareness of the benefits that shopping local has on our communities, towns, cities and economy.
We've written many a blog post on it and here are a few of those reasons why it is good to shop locally.
- It keeps our communities unique: Supporting local businesses means that you have more choice on your doorstep. The unique businesses and individuals that run them are an integral part of the distinctive character of a place – the Barras is the perfect example of this, but we need customers to spend money to keep going.
- Buy Local – Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses and service providers that help to strengthen the economic base of the community.
- Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy: A small business will select its products based on the needs of their local customers and their interests rather than on a national sales plan. A marketplace for small businesses can help ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term, and a much broader range of product choices. We can also respond to requests from customers – just ask!
- Reduce environmental impact: We make more local purchases which require less transportation (one of our suppliers makes deliveries on her bike).
Our aim is to get people using the hashtag #shoplocalglasgow so we can showcase all the fab independent businesses, feature them on our Instagram and Facebook page and eventually set up a website with a regular blog featuring a local directory of independent businesses around Glasgow.
In the meantime, you can follow us on Instagram @shoplocalglasgow or Facebook - Shop-Local-Glasgow