If you’ve been following our Newsletter, you might remember Chihiro Kownacki, one of our beloved staff members and a talented Artisan who showcased her skills at our Support Local event on April 27, 2024. We featured her in a blog post, sharing the rich history of Temari and its significance to Chihiro. Just a few weeks after the Newsletter went out, something magical happened.
One of our wonderful customers struck up a conversation with Chihiro at checkout and was so inspired by her story that they became the first person to purchase a Temari from Chihiro’s Etsy Shop!
This heartwarming moment perfectly illustrates the incredible impact of supporting local businesses!
In this post, we'll explore the myriad benefits of supporting local businesses, from economic boosts and environmental sustainability to fostering community connections and ensuring product quality. We'll also highlight why Unique Wholefood is committed to this cause and how you can join us in making a difference.
The Economic Impact of Supporting Local Businesses
Job Creation
Local businesses are vital job creators within communities. Chances are that you know someone who works for or owns a small business. Small businesses employ about 44% of Australia’s workforce, providing jobs that sustain local families and contribute to community stability (Inside Small Business).
Economic Retention
We have all read those headlines before, "X Non-Australian Business" makes "A$X Billion" in Revenue and paid A$0 in tax while most of their money is kept offshore. Money spent supporting local businesses more often than not stays within the community, promoting economic growth. For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the local economy, compared to $43 when spent at a non-local business (SAbiz Solutions) (Inside Small Business). Small businesses in Australia contribute over 30% to the national GDP and employ around 4.7 million people. This substantial contribution underscores the importance of supporting local enterprises to sustain and grow the economy(Food Processing Australia) (retailbiz).
Environmental Benefits of Supporting Local Businesses
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Local businesses often source products closer to home, reducing transportation distances and associated carbon emissions. This can cut carbon emissions by up to 5% (SAbiz Solutions).
Sustainable Practices
Local businesses are more likely to engage in sustainable practices, from using eco-friendly packaging to supporting organic farming. This commitment to sustainability helps protect our environment for future generations (Inside Small Business).
Every small action taken for the betterment of our home planet counts!
Community Well-being
Community Connection
Shopping locally fosters stronger community relationships and encourages a sense of pride. Local businesses often sponsor events, sports teams, and charities, reinforcing community bonds (SAbiz Solutions).
Unique Character
Local businesses add charm and uniqueness to neighbourhoods, offering products and services that reflect the community’s character and culture. This diversity enriches the local economy and provides consumers with unique choices (Inside Small Business).
Consumer Preference
Local businesses add charm and uniqueness to neighbourhoods, offering products and services that reflect the community’s character and culture. This diversity enriches the local economy and provides consumers with unique choices (Inside Small Business).
Quality and Freshness of Products
Higher Quality
Products from local businesses are often of higher quality and freshness due to reduced storage and transport times. This ensures that consumers get the best possible products.
Health Benefits
Local products tend to use fewer preservatives and chemicals, contributing to better health outcomes. Fresh, locally sourced foods can provide more nutrients and fewer additives than their long-transport counterparts(SAbiz Solutions).
Personalised Service and Unique Offerings:
Customer Relationships
Local businesses offer personalised customer service and build strong relationships with their customers. This personalised approach creates a sense of loyalty and trust that is often missing from larger, impersonal corporations.
Specialised Products
Local businesses often provide unique and specialised products that aren't available at larger retailers. These items can include locally produced foods, handmade crafts, and niche health products tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the community.
Unique Wholefood’s Commitment to Supporting Local
Partnerships with Local Suppliers
Unique Wholefood prides itself on partnering with local farmers, artisans, and suppliers to bring the best of Australian produce to our customers. We believe in fostering relationships with local producers who share our commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. By sourcing products locally, we ensure fresh, high-quality goods while also supporting the economic vitality of our community.
Featuring Local Brands
Our stores in Crows Nest and Leichhardt feature a curated selection of local brands and products, from organic vegetables to shelve & pantry goods. We highlight these brands prominently in our stores and online, ensuring our customers can easily discover and support local businesses. Some of our featured brands include Mindful Foods, Loving Earth, and many more, each chosen for their dedication to sustainability and excellence.
Community Events: "Support Local" Event
At Unique Wholefood, we regularly host community events aimed at promoting local businesses and educating our customers about products we supply. We also Support local artisans such as Chihiro Kownacki & Health Professionals such Naturopaths. These gatherings not only provide valuable product & lifestyle knowledge and skills but also foster a sense of community and connection among our customers.
If you would like to know more about our "Support Local" initiative, subscribe to our newsletter below and we will keep you up to date on events, giveaways and promotions we run to give back to our local communities.