Do you remember waking up with a turkey hangover, filling your thermos with scalding hot coffee and heading to Boscov’s for the Black Friday doorbusters? Local news crews on-site to interview the ‘dedicated’ shoppers who got in line at 3 AM because they had to be first to snag the $5 slippers or the great deal on the Sony Wega Vision TV? Or maybe it was the craze of the Cabbage Patch Kids, American Girl Dolls or Xbox that convinced you to sacrifice comfort and sleep?
This was before stores started opening on Thanksgiving Day and years before I was wearing those same slippers, sipping on coffee in the Lazy Boy and navigating e-commerce instead of long lines. Technology, and our desire for convenience, created a natural shift in the marketplace and many businesses reaped the benefits, especially during the peak shopping season. But what about our local hardware store, boutique or locally owned restaurants that rely on foot traffic? What is the real impact on our economy, environment and communities when we focus on convenience and forget to shop local?
So instead of spitting out facts generated with the help of ChatGPT and supported only with studies and statistics, we decided to go old school and put this ‘shop local’ in perspective by sharing the experience of Emily Drobnock, owner of Knock Knock Boutique in Hershey and Elizabethtown and Bella Sera Boutique in Hershey.
Economic Impact
One of the most significant benefits of shopping locally is its positive impact on the local economy. Drobnock shares that when you buy from a local business, more of your money stays within your community. Studies show that for every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stays within the local economy, as opposed to only 43 cents when spent at larger chains. Although these 24 cents may seem insignificant, the multiplier effect does impact investments in local infrastructure, like schools and parks.
Local businesses also create jobs within the community, often offering more diverse & flexible opportunities for employment. Drobnock says she employs between 8 and 25 individuals at any given time between the two locations. From local college students to seasonal help, Drobnock creates an environment for her team to connect with patrons on a deeper level. “We want to interact and provide exceptional customer service so you can find that perfect item.”
Environmental Impact
It’s easy to forget when we shop on Amazon or opt for convenience, those choices do have environmental consequences. Shopping locally can help reduce that negative environmental impact. When we purchase from local businesses, we’re cutting down on the distance products need to travel. Items sold by local businesses often come from nearby suppliers, meaning they travel shorter distances, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. Knock Knock sources many local items, including jewelry lines from several Lancaster artisans – Laureli Cottage, Molly AuContraire, & Lucky Manufacturing Co.
Local businesses are more likely to use sustainable practices because they’re directly accountable to their communities, who value environmental health and sustainability.
Local businesses are also less likely to use excessive packaging compared to large corporations that rely on packaging to protect products as they’re shipped long distances. Less packaging means less waste, which can significantly reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.
Community Impact
Beyond the economic and environmental impacts, shopping locally strengthens community bonds. Small businesses are often owned by people who live in the same neighborhoods as their customers. This closeness fosters a sense of trust and community that is hard to replicate with larger corporations. When we support local businesses, we’re investing in a network of people who genuinely care about our community’s success and are more likely to give back through local charities, sponsorships, and events.
Knock Knock Boutique is part of a downtown Elizabethtown community that fosters huge support on days like Small Business Saturday. Drobnock also serves on the board of the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce, an organization active in supporting local businesses through initiatives like Discover Elizabethtown. A quick review of upcoming holiday festivities and one can’t help but think Elizabethtown may soon be featured in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Small Choices, Big Impact
Shopping locally is a powerful way to make a difference in your community. By choosing to support small businesses, you’re not only contributing to the local economy but also promoting environmental sustainability and fostering community connections. With the support of local chambers of commerce, small businesses like the Knock Knock Boutique can thrive, creating resilient communities where people come together to support each other.
In a world that often emphasizes convenience and speed, taking the time to shop local can feel like a small choice. But those small choices add up, helping to create a future that values local resources, sustainable practices, and strong, interconnected communities. So next time you shop, consider how your purchase impacts not just your wallet but your entire community. The rewards of shopping locally extend far beyond the transaction—they contribute to the well-being of the people, the environment, and the local economy.
Knock Knock will open at 10 and have fun promotions (spoiler: insane sweater deal) throughout the day on Small Business Saturday. “The best part…” adds Drobnock, “You can also sleep in on Black Friday!”
