Economic Studies
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.
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.
This economic and market share analysis of San Francisco -- commissioned by the San Francisco Locally Owned Merchants Alliance and conducted by Civic Economics -- shows that independent bookstores provide more economic value to a community than do chains.
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.
A 2003 study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance looks at local economies in Maine and concludes, as have other economic studies, that local businesses recirculate more money within their areas, including more charitable contributions, than do national chains.
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.
An invaluable, comprehensive resources action site intended to help build local economies. From the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.