Mercer County is home to approximately 4,000 independently owned and operated businesses. They are the backbone of a community known for its highly skilled workforce, renowned educational institutions and high quality of life. From the retail industry to the service sector, Mercer County ranks as one of the most attractive locations to call home and to open a business. It deserves to be your one-stop shopping spot this holiday season.
Local businesses in Mercer County invest their profits back into the local economy. Their inventory and services are purchased throughout the region. They employ county residents. Let’s look at some numbers.
For every $100 spent at a chain, only $14 makes its way back into the local economy. Meanwhile, for every $100 spent at a local business, the community sees a return of $45. This is the direct result of a buy local initiative. Without one, the average U.S. town grows at a rate of 2.3%. Towns with a buy local initiative see a growth of 7%.
The impact on economic development is obvious. What about their impact on environmental sustainability? Local businesses reduce sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss and air and water pollution. They achieve this by sustaining vibrant, compact and walkable town centers.
Why should I support local businesses this holiday shopping season?
Buying local supports local merchants and strengthens the municipal tax base. How do you think local merchants get to have a joyous season, after all? They are usually your peers and neighbors, unlike whoever is at the top of the corporate chain of any one of your big box operations.
Buying local supports the environment. Gasoline consumption is drastically reduced when individuals choose to shop locally rather than drive long distances to their retail destination. The web of economic and social relationships that result from locally-owned businesses create strong communities.
What are buy local programs?
Buy local campaigns exist due to compelling data from a variety of independent studies. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance, for example, has shown in past surveys the profound impact that buy local programs have on the community. Another organization, called the American Independent Business Alliance, presents overwhelming data on the benefits of buying local and how to organize a well-planned campaign.
Here are some examples of buy local programs:
Shop Hamilton is a business development group established to promote the local and independent businesses in Hamilton.
Keep It Local Robbi​​​​nsville is an organization founded for the promotion of Robbinsville small businesses, the support of local charities and for the encouragement of residents to complete the circle of support and need.
Lawrenceville Main Street is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to fostering a sense of community and continuing the revitalization of Lawrenceville's historic downtown area by organizing events, building partnerships, cultivating the business environment and enhancing the physical setting of the Village of Lawrenceville.
Princeton Merchants Association creates a vibrant and sustainable local economy in Princeton by attracting, nurturing and maintaining a mix of businesses that serve the economic, social and material needs of the community.
Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce Independent Business Alliance promotes local independent businesses and facilitates networking and education with a focus on developing growth strategies for independent businesses.
The Law Office of H. Benjamin Sharlin LLC
is owned and operated by H. Benjamin Sharlin and serves all of Mercer County, New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Mr. Sharlin is a bilingual Spanish-speaking attorney who vigorously represents the interests of all his clients.
Call (609) 585-0606 or click the button below to schedule an appointment