In 2023, local shopping has become more significant than ever, with shoppers anticipated to spend a whopping $6.04 trillion in local stores.
This surge in local shopping comes as no surprise, given that 97% of consumers now turn to the internet to search for a nearby business. Furthermore, more than half, specifically 54.81% of Americans, make it a point to support their local stores at least once a month.
Let me share the most crucial local shopping statistics you should be aware of right away. 📊🛍️📍
Shopping Local Statistics: The Key Data
- 54.81% of Americans shop locally at least once a month.
- In 2023, shoppers are expected to spend $6.04 trillion in local stores.
- Small businesses generate $68 in local economic return for every $100 spent with them.
- The average person shops locally 213 times per year, or once every 1.7 days.
- 82% of consumers say they would spend more money to support local businesses.
- Dollars spent at independent businesses can recirculate 6 to 15 times in the local economy.
- Small businesses give 250% more to community causes than large businesses.
- 70% of consumers shop locally to boost the economy.
- 57% of Americans say they shop locally to keep money in their community.
- 97% of consumers search online for a local business.
- 28 percent of shoppers buy locally for better service, and 19 percent to support local nonprofits.
- 61% prefer to shop nearby because of the unique product selection.
Sources: (Redegg Marketing, Intuit, Business Journal Daily, Facebook, LinkedIn, United States Chamber of Commerce, Search Engine Journal, Smallbiztrends)
82% Shoppers Willing to Pay More to Support Small Businesses
Important takeaway:
| Consumers value small businesses | High willingness to pay more denotes shopper appreciation for smaller enterprises. |
| Potential pricing advantage for small businesses | The data implies small businesses may command premium pricing for their offerings. |
| Marketing should highlight small business status | Emphasizing ‘small business’ identity can strengthen customer loyalty and support. |
| Increased support for local economies | The trend suggests a consumer shift towards supporting local and small-scale economies. |
Source: Redegg Marketing
Local Loyalty: 57% Americans Shop Locally for Community Impact
Important takeaway:
| Local shopping serves as a community support mechanism | The majority shopping locally implies a conscious choice to boost local economy. |
| Marketing strategies should emphasize local impact | Stressing the local benefits can tap into this community-oriented consumer sentiment. |
| American consumers appreciate local businesses | The data suggests a widespread trend of local economic loyalty among Americans. |
| Opportunity for growth exists for local retailers | The high percentage indicates potential market share for community-centered businesses. |
Source: Intuit
Local Economy Boosted by 70% Consumers Shopping Locally
Important takeaway:
| Stimulate local economy through local shopping | A large majority of consumers, 70%, intentionally support local businesses to enhance their community’s economy. |
| Promote awareness about local shopping benefits | With high consumer motivation to improve local economies, there’s a clear need for educating about the impact of local spending. |
| Encourage development of local businesses | As 70% consumers shop locally, policy makers and investors should emphasize on strengthening local businesses for economic growth. |
Source: Business Journal Daily
Every $100 Spent at Small Businesses Generates $68 Local Return
Important takeaway:
| Bolster local economies by promoting small businesses | Every $100 spent at small businesses creates a significant $68 local economic return, demonstrating their importance to local economies. |
| Advocate for shopping at small businesses | Given their significant contribution, consumers should be encouraged to prioritize spending at small businesses. |
| Create policies to support small businesses | The high local economic return from small businesses suggests the need for focused government policies for their growth and sustainability. |
Source: Facebook
Online Local Business Search Essential for 97% Consumers
Important takeaway:
| Emphasize online presence for local businesses | With 97% of consumers searching online for local services, having an active, visible online presence is essential. |
| Invest in local digital marketing | Given the high rate of online searches, marketing efforts for local businesses should prioritize digital channels. |
| Develop strategies for online search optimization | The prevalent use of online searches for local businesses indicates the necessity for efficient search engine optimization strategies. |
Source: LinkedIn
Pandemic Era Sees 93% Shoppers Prioritizing Small Businesses
Important takeaway:
| Amplify awareness campaigns for small business support | As 93% of consumers view supporting small businesses as vital due to the pandemic, the need for awareness campaigns is clear. |
| Prioritize pandemic relief for small businesses | Given the heightened consumer sentiment, policy makers should focus on relief efforts for small businesses. |
| Boost shopper engagement with small businesses | Given the importance attached to small businesses, initiatives should aim at increasing customer interactions with them. |
Source: United States Chamber of Commerce
Websites Influence 22% Consumers When Deciding Local Businesses
Important takeaway:
| Invest in intuitive, user-friendly websites | With 22% of consumers consistently using websites to decide on local businesses, ensuring a quality online presence is vital. |
| Incorporate customer reviews on websites | As consumers refer to websites for decision making, including customer reviews might influence their choices positively. |
| Use websites for detailed business information | The data indicates the need to use websites to provide comprehensive information about products, services, and business operations. |
Source: Search Engine Journal
Over Half of Americans, 54.81%, Shop Locally Monthly
Important takeaway:
| Local businesses are vital | Majority of Americans rely on them monthly. |
| Brick-and-mortar isn’t dead | Consumers still value physical shopping experiences. |
| Demand for localized goods | Indicates preference for items specific to local stores. |
Source: Smallbiztrends
What percentage of people shop locally?
A report from Mint Intuit recently revealed that 82% of people in the United States prioritize shopping local when they can. A higher percentage of consumers shop locally for products such as produce and artisanal items compared to other goods, indicating that a move to support local businesses is underway.
Consumers are doing this because they know that these businesses are good for the community. For example, they help small businesses grow, create jobs in the area, and keep money moving in the local economy. All of these things are important for a successful community.
FAQs
Why do people like shopping locally?
Score.org recently stated that 61% of people prefer to shop nearby because of the unique product selection. Local shops tend to offer more personalized products and services that are tailored to their local communities.
Not only do customers get exceptional goods that can’t be found anywhere else, but shopping with local businesses also helps to give back to the local economy.
Does shopping locally help the economy?
According to Michigan State University, shopping at locally owned stores could be a major boost to the economy. When consumers buy local goods and services, they are supporting their own communities by creating more jobs in the area.
These businesses not only employ their staff, but they also use these funds to purchase products and services from other local companies. This boosts business for everyone involved and helps keep money circulating within the community. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Why is shopping locally so important?
Spana stated that shopping locally is great for both the environment and the people who live nearby. Not only is it convenient to find the things you need close by, but buying local also helps reduce your carbon footprint in comparison to bigger chains that have items shipped from far away.
Plus, by shopping local, you are helping support local businesses and keep your community strong. Ultimately, choosing to shop locally is a win-win situation that benefits everyone.
