These studies document the positive economic impact of locally owned businesses, and how they contribute significantly more money to the local economy than do retail chains. We've also included a tool kit if you're ready to take action.
ABA and Civic Economics are pleased to offer American retail organizations the opportunity to create a localized study of the economic benefits provided by independent retailers in your community.
Presented at the first-ever Advocates for Independent Retail (AIR) National Leadership Summit in January 2011, The Indie City Index ranks more than 300 U.S. metropolitan areas according to the vitality of independent retail.
The study was commissioned by ABA and produced by Civic Economics.
For the fourth year in a row, a national survey of independent businesses has found that those in communities with active “buy local” campaigns have experienced markedly stronger revenue growth compared to those located in areas without such initiatives.
The survey, which was conducted over an eight-day period in January 2011, gathered data from 2,768 independent businesses, including retailers, service providers, restaurants, and others. The survey was conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, in partnership with dozens of national and local business organizations.
A new study from Local First of Grand Rapids, Michigan, reveals that a modest change in consumer behavior -- a 10 percent shift in market share to independent businesses from chain stores -- would result in 1,600 new jobs, $53 million in wages, and a $137 million economic impact to the area. By choosing to support locally owned businesses, individuals can help to create and retain jobs in their communities.
A survey conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance shows that indies outperformed chains over Holiday 2008, and indies in cities with active Shop Local campaigns did even better.
A Civic Economics study commissioned by Local First Arizona reveals that public procurement from a local supplier generates "dramatically greater local economic activity" than procurement from a chain business. "Procurement Matters: The Economic Impact of Local Suppliers" compared the local economic impact of Wist Office Products, a local supplier and LFA member, with Office Max Contract, a division of Office Max, after the state of Arizona dropped Wist from its stable of office suppliers.
Civic Economics conducted this study on the health, diversity, and economic impact of independent merchants in San Francisco for the San Francisco Locally Owned Merchants
Alliance, with oversight by the Northern California Independent Booksellers
Association.
A 2004 report by Civic Economics, which compares 10 local businesses in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago versus their chain competitors, demonstrates the greater economic impact of locally owned businesses.
December 2002 report, prepared for Liveable City by Civic Economics, assessing the impact of local merchants, specifically Austin, Texas’ BookPeople and Waterloo Records, relative to the impact of chain stores. (See the slideshow, too.)
The New Rules Project and the Preservation Trust of Vermont study on why local business matters and practical steps other communities can take to strengthen a homegrown economy, foster revitalization, and united independent businesses.
A survey of more than 1,800 indie businesses found that holiday sales for independent retailers were up an average of 2.2 percent, in contrast to figures showing that overall retail sales were down 0.3 percent in December 2009.
The survey also found that for the third year in a row indie retailers in cities with active "Buy Local" campaigns reported stronger holiday sales than other retailers. Independent retailers in towns with buy local campaigns reported an average increase in holiday sales of 3.0 percent, compared to 1.0 percent in cities without a campaign.