Growing up in a small town, Eric Hays remembers a time when locally owned businesses were at the center of community life.

Business owners and their families often went to the same schools, churches and events as their customers. A visit to a local shoe store, hardware store or auto parts shop could turn into a neighborly conversation. Even a delivery could mean seeing a familiar face at the door and sharing a glass of tea before the driver headed to the next stop.

“Knowing the local merchants meant knowing their families and having an understanding that we were helping support them as they raised their families,” Hays said.

Hays believes those connections are one of the reasons shopping local still matters.

“The world is different today. We have big-box stores and companies that can deliver goods within hours of us clicking a button. It’s convenient. I can’t knock it; I shop at these places too. However, shopping local means supporting the community in ways most don’t think of,” Hays said.

Exterior of Believers Pawn shop in Tomball, Texas, with large red PAWN sign and empty parking lot at dusk.

How does shopping local support the community?

Texas does not have a state income tax, so revenue is collected through other channels, including sales tax. Hays explained that consumers in Tomball pay an 8.25% sales tax on goods purchased, with a portion going to the state and a portion staying in the city.

“Shopping local helps pay city and county employees who are raising their families,” Hays said. “Shopping local helps maintain the infrastructure we all use and helps reduce our property taxes.”

How do local businesses give back?

The impact of local businesses extends beyond sales tax, as locally-owned businesses often donate to community organizations, teams, events and other causes.

“Most corporations have a lengthy process to apply for a charitable donation and a limited scope of what qualifies as a need they will give to,” Hays said. “Ever walk into a local restaurant and see pictures of local teams on their wall? That’s because they proudly gave back. Ever sit at a little league baseball game and see a local business banner hanging on a fence? That’s because they contributed. … I’m not just talking about small, Mom & Pop businesses. We are very fortunate to have several large local companies in the area that support the community in ways nationwide corporations can’t. Seek them out and support them for supporting us.”

Even when a business cannot fulfill a donation request, Hays believes these interactions have an impact. A student or young person raising money for an activity may hear “no,” but the experience can still teach them to keep asking, trying and finding other ways to reach their goals.

What can consumers do to shop more locally?

For Hays, supporting local businesses does not require giving up the convenience of larger companies altogether. He acknowledges that he shops at big-box stores and uses companies that can deliver products quickly.

Instead, he encourages consumers to simply consider their options before making a purchase.

“The next time you’re making a purchase, ask yourself, can I get this same item locally?” Hays said. “If so, consider doing so. You’ll be helping your community.”

Those interested in learning more can find resources here:

The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.