Whether you're shopping for clothes, musical instruments, or books, you're sure to have lots of options available from online retailers. But buying online isn't always the best option, and buying locally may have more benefits than you expect or remember. Here are just a few reasons to do your holiday shopping at small, local businesses this year. 

Why You Should Holiday Shop Locally 

1. Support Your Community

By buying from local shops, you're simultaneously supporting your community from several different angles. Your patronage helps provide jobs, injects money into your local economy, and contributes to the culture and livelihood of your town. Some estimates suggest that buying from local shops means a 200% increase in how much money stays in your community as opposed to shopping from chains, and small businesses also tend to create more jobs than chains.

2. Source Your Goods

When shopping locally and from small businesses, it's generally much easier to source your goods and know where everything comes from. The supply chains of bigger businesses are often purposely obscured, making tracing the origins of what you buy difficult. But with a small business, you can often speak directly with the owner or a manager who knows where everything in the store comes from. Employees will also be more likely to have that information and be interested in sharing it. 

3. Get to Know Your Neighbors

In a world that, for many people, is becoming increasingly isolated, developing in-person connections is incredibly powerful and meaningful. Visiting your local shops gives you an opportunity to meet the people running and staffing them. You can learn about the people you interact with, develop a rapport, and even make friends. The more connected people are to their community, the more safe it is for everyone. 

If you're looking to buy a musical instrument locally, reach out to The String House in Rochester, NY. For over half a century, these purveyors of musical instruments and accessories have helped local musicians, amateur, aspiring, and professional alike, keep their hobby alive. Learn more about their services online or call (585) 442-9272 to inquire about their inventory.