Why shop for used clothing at a locally owned business first? The following 9 reasons are examples of how more money spent at local businesses is reinvested in your community creating diversity and helping the community maintain or create its unique appeal.

1. Shopping local creates jobs.

   It’s simple: local businesses in our little town of Oroville create local employment opportunities. They can’t survive if you don’t shop there and spend in the local community. The Arc Stores of Butte County take it a step further and create jobs for those with special needs. Learn more here.

2. Local independent shops invest more in your community.

   Locally owned businesses are proportionately more generous in their support of local charities, schools and community events. Purchasing goods at local shops means a positive financial impact on your community.

3. Local shops have just as much of a variety of used clothing to sell at affordable prices as a shop that is in a large city.

   This saves you, the consumer, money because you didn’t have to drive a long distance. Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. If you add travel, fees to transfer items, and your time, the overall cost of used clothing is often much higher. While you’re at it, take local or regional public transit and save even more by not putting wear and tear on your vehicle or having to put gas in your tank. Additionally, the bus fare will stay in your community too! 

4. Shopping local retains our community’s businesses.

   Shoppers don’t like losing stores and services in small towns but don’t realize until it’s too late, that if they don’t support local stores, they can’t afford to stay in business and many times are forced to close their doors. In a community with many second hand stores that have an abundance of used clothing, there is a lot of competition for your dollar. That alone can drive the price of used clothing down, and again, you are the recipient of saving money when you shop. Click here to find other perspectives on why shopping local is good for your community.  

5. Shopping local retains our distinctiveness.

   Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock unique used clothing. Local businesses respond quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking trendy fashions to meet the changing population needs.
   
   Tip: If you are looking for a specific item of used clothing and can’t find it, don’t be shy about asking the clerks or manager for help. If they still don’t have it, ask them to take your name and call or email you if that item comes in sometime in the future.  Business practices like this give the local shopkeeper an advantage as they build a relationship with you.

6. Shopping local literally helps save the environment.

   Local used clothing stores, like the Arc Store in Oroville, generally stock a high percentage of locally sourced clothing which do not require shipment from foreign ports or big cities, thus helping to reduce our global footprint.
   
   

7. Local shops are for everyone.

   Most people can get to their local shops easily and this is especially important for the elderly, young generations and those without transportation.

8. Local shops value you more.

   Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.

9. Shopping for used clothing locally saves services.

   Private and public sector services tend to cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants, etc.

Hopefully you are now ready to try shopping for used clothing at your local second hand store.  

Shop local and shop smart by downloading the $5 coupon below to bring with you.