DemographicsResourcesRelocationThe HeartbeatShop Local  
 
 
Collaborating with Chamber members beginning in 2008, we researched the impact that shopping locally has on the community. Armed with knowledge and a clear understanding of the benefits of “Keeping Your Bucks Here,” we introduced the SHOP LOCAL program. 

Shop Local’s objective is to increase awareness of how shopping locally affects your community. The program also promotes the fact that Brazoria County boasts plenty of retail and service businesses, many of which are locally owned. By doing business with your neighbors, you simultaneously get the service you want, maintain local diversity, and benefit the community. You also have the personal benefit of creating relationships with the businesses where you shop and increased access to diverse goods and services. 

Many people do not realize the heavy impact they have on their community when they shop locally. Within a small community, the benefits of shopping locally multiply. Here are just a few reasons to keep your dollars at home:
  1. Shopping locally saves your gas and your time. You just became an environmentalist!
  2. When you shop locally in Brazoria County and pay local sales tax, your money stays here. These dollars fund city and county operations such as roads and bridges, parks, the library, police and fire departments, and recreation and community centers.
  3. Community groups are heavily supported by local business. Non-profit groups receive an average of 350% more charitable support from local businesses than they do from non-locally owned businesses.
  4. Local businesses make up the largest employee base, giving more jobs to you and your family.
  5. You get more knowledgeable and friendlier customer service! You get to know your local merchants, and they get to know you.
  6. Spending $100 at a local independent business creates a ripple effect of $68 in additional local economic activity.
  7. Local businesses preserve and enhance the unique character of Brazoria County. This makes it special for you and attractive for others to come spend their money here.
  8. Shopping locally allows you to stay in better touch with your neighbors and the local pulse of your community.
  9. Local businesses are more likely to utilize local advertising, banks, insurance companies, and other local services.
  10. Without the sales tax dollars that stay in Angleton and Brazoria County, your property taxes would be higher!
Shopping locally is not difficult or burdensome. If anything, shopping locally is easier than driving an hour or more up HWY 288 to pick up a few items. By “Keeping Your Bucks Here,” your dollars go a long way to help your community, your neighbors, and your home.