Small municipalities like Sundre are far more likely to thrive and grow if residents make every effort to spend locally. Every dollar spent in the community represents a significant boost for local businesses.
Small municipalities like Sundre are far more likely to thrive and grow if residents make every effort to spend locally.
Every dollar spent in the community represents a significant boost for local businesses. The more people spend in town, the more successful our businesses can become, and the more likely they are to expand, reinvest and possibly even hire more staff. All this leads to further growth and ensures long-term sustainability.
Shoppers can't be blamed for wanting to make the most out of their dollar, but while big box stores might offer deals small retailers cannot compete with, there's one area the mega merchants consistently come up short on — service.
Most shoppers are likely all too familiar with walking into a giant warehouse-sized store as a feeling of dread creeps up as they wonder where to even start looking for whatever it is they came for. Oftentimes, finding that item can be as hard as finding a helpful employee who can point you in the right direction.
Even if you can find an employee, especially at this time of year, don't expect the most enthusiastic assistance. While some do appear sincere in their attempts to help, all too many seem inconvenienced simply by having to help a customer — or in other words do their jobs.
Huge businesses in cities deal in so much volume that despite their claims, they're not altogether that worried about one customer giving up and leaving. There are plenty more in line after all.
But that's where small-town businesses shine.
They know that alienating their local customer base is one of the quickest ways to go out of business. Small-town businesses largely depend on the return of local customers, and so they strive to go that extra mile to make sure they're providing a welcoming service with a smile.
There's a lot to be said about doing business with someone you actually know personally — with someone who values your business and wants very much for you to come back.
The Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce is continuing to do what it can to encourage people to shop locally for Christmas by again hosting the annual Sundown in Sundre, which takes place this Friday, Dec. 4. The event provides the opportunity not only to find some great local deals but also to spend some time with family and friends to celebrate the approaching season. Click here for that story.
So as Christmas gets closer — it'll be here before we know it — consider checking out what local merchants have to offer before heading out to the big box stores.
The experience is far more personal and much less likely to leave you feeling like just another nameless face in the long lineup to make billionaire multi-national corporations even wealthier.
