9 Reasons To Shop Local

We are now more shopping savvy than ever. Many of us will spend hours trawling the internet for the best deal before making a purchase, but while you while away an afternoon browsing on your laptop, there is probably an independent store owner nearby keen to get you a great deal, who will welcome you warmly, and give you the chance to see the product in real life!

Here are nine more great reasons to support your local stores:

1. Get something unique

Heading to your local shop means that you are likely to find something original instead of mass produced products found in large chain stores. For example, many yarn shops specialise in local hand-dyed yarns that you cannot buy from big retailers. Independent stores offer the chance to purchase unique, often handmade items. This is great for gift buying, or for when you want to treat yourself to something new that will prompt friends to ask “where did you get that?”

2. Support your local economy

Buying from small, independent retailers is economically beneficial when compared with giving your hard-earned cash to multinational corporations. Evidence shows that for every £10 spent in local shops, an extra £50 is retained in the local economy; initially it pays wages and business rates but this in turn is spent by business owners and workers in, for example, local pubs and cafés, fuelling local finances. Communities prosper when people are spending money in them, which helps to build and sustain a strong local economy.

3. Encourage local creative talent

For artistic types, local craft shops and markets are an ideal opportunity to meet other like-minded people and to begin to sell their creations; many knitters and crocheters start selling their products in this way. These are the local entrepreneurs of the future and they need thriving retail spaces in which to start out and grow their enterprises. You could have the next Richard Branson in your local shop, so go along and give them your support!

4. Get excellent customer service

Local retailers have to work hard to build a reputation and keep it, therefore you are likely to receive excellent service when shopping locally. As part of this, shops will often let you view or sample products before you buy, and will usually offer to order items in for you. Independent businesses carefully select their staff, ensuring they are trained to advise you on products and pride themselves on ensuring total customer satisfaction. So if you want to try a new yarn or pattern, your local yarn shop is your best bet for some stalwart advice!

5. Help create jobs

When companies do well, they take on more staff. Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and provide the most jobs to residents in local communities. Therefore when you shop at, and invest in your local businesses, you help create more jobs in your local area. In some communities, local employers are more likely pay better wages and provide better benefits for their workers.

6. Touch real-life products

When buying fabric, clothes, thread or yarn you really need to see and feel the product before buying it. Shopping local means you get to feel how soft and squidgy a ball of yarn is and get a true sense of the colour too. Yarn Shop Day celebrates all that is great about bricks and mortar yarn stores; surely holding yarn in your hands is one of the wonderful things about our local yarn shops!

7. Enjoy a better shopping experience

Local shops have to strive to be different because they are competing with other independent stores, as well as large retailers. Smaller shops work harder to provide a satisfying shopping experience for their customers. They are often more creative in establishing their own style and identity, giving consumers a retail experience wholly different to corporate, large chain stores. One of the things we love about Yarn Shop Day is being to see all the lovely woolly displays in shops throughout the country.

8. Take part in building local communities

Businesses such as bookshops, cafés or craft shops often support or host community events such as book clubs or knitting workshops. Supporting local businesses means you support local events that connect local people together, building bridges and fostering community relationships for the future. It’s true – knitting and crochet can bring people together!

9. It’s fun!

Browsing a range of quirky shops on your local high street is far more enjoyable than fighting your way through one large superstore or shopping complex. It will give you the chance to try out local cafés, meet local business owners (perhaps becoming a regular) and who knows what unique goodies you might find on your local shop’s shelves?

Take your first step in supporting your local stores by heading out on Yarn Shop Day! Check out our interactive map to find a participating store near you!