How Supporting Local Businesses Creates Jobs (And Why It Matters)
At Humphrey’s Bootery, we’ve been part of the Shavertown community since 1958. As a third-generation family business, we’ve seen firsthand how a single store can impact a neighborhood. It’s not just about selling shoes; it’s about the people we hire, the services we use, and the families we support.
When you choose to shop on Main Street rather than opting for a big-box retailer, you aren't just making a purchase — you are investing. One of the most significant impacts of supporting local businesses is the direct creation of jobs right here in our community. Let’s break down exactly how your shopping habits help put your neighbors to work.
Keeping Money in the Community
The most immediate way to support local businesses and create jobs is through the "multiplier effect." When you spend money at a local shop, that money doesn't disappear into a distant corporate account. Instead, it recirculates.
Local business owners are far more likely to bank locally, hire local service providers, and shop at other local establishments. This steady flow of capital allows these businesses to reinvest in their own operations. When a business is healthy and financially stable, it expands. Expansion means one thing: more hiring.
Hiring Your Neighbors
Small businesses are the backbone of local employment. Unlike massive corporations that may rely on automated systems or out-of-town management, local shops hire residents. This keeps employment opportunities close to home, reducing commute times and strengthening the social fabric of the town.
Furthermore, as these businesses thrive, they naturally need more staff. A busy floor needs more salespeople; a growing inventory needs more stock managers. This direct job creation reduces local unemployment rates and ensures that economic growth is shared among the people who actually live there.
Creating Diverse Opportunities
One often-overlooked benefit of local businesses is the variety of roles they offer. Large chains often have rigid, standardized roles. In contrast, small businesses provide diverse entry-level jobs for young people entering the workforce, as well as specialized roles for experienced professionals.
Because small business teams are often tighter-knit, employees frequently get the chance to learn multiple aspects of the operation — from inventory management to customer service and marketing. This leads to well-rounded skill sets and better career paths for our local workforce.
The Ripple Effect on Professional Services
The impact of supporting local businesses extends beyond the storefront. A growing shoe store, bakery, or hardware shop doesn't operate in a vacuum. They need support services to function.
Thriving local businesses need local accountants to handle their books, local lawyers to manage contracts, local marketers to run ad campaigns, and local suppliers to provide goods. This demand creates a ripple effect, generating jobs in related professional service industries. When one business succeeds, it pulls others up with it.
Strengthening Public Services Through Tax Revenue
Strong local businesses generate significant local tax revenue. This revenue is the lifeblood of essential public services. It supports our schools, funds our police and fire departments, and maintains our roads and parks.
Better-funded public services create a more stable, attractive community, which in turn attracts more residents and businesses. It is a virtuous cycle that starts with the simple act of buying locally.
Stability You Can Count On
Finally, locally owned businesses offer a level of stability that national chains cannot match. We are rooted here. We are less likely to pack up and move operations to another state or outsource jobs overseas to cut costs.
Studies suggest that local businesses often generate better-paying jobs and higher local incomes compared to non-local retailers. This stability provides peace of mind for employees and contributes to a robust, resilient local economy.
Step Up for Your Community
Every time you make a purchase, you are casting a vote for the kind of community you want to live in. By supporting local businesses, you are directly contributing to job creation, economic stability, and the overall well-being of your neighbors.
At Humphrey’s Bootery, we are proud to be a part of this cycle. If you are looking for footwear that combines quality, comfort, and community support, we invite you to browse our collection. Shop online at Humphrey’s Bootery today and help us keep our community moving forward.