With a combined 65 years of experience, three family-owned businesses and Flagstaff Independent Business Alliance members definitely know about the many benefits of shopping locally in Flagstaff. The owners of Altitudes Bar & Grill, Brandy’s Restaurant and PS Printing are informed and passionate about voting with your dollars by patronizing local businesses.
In addition, across the United States, grassroots “shop local” campaigns have generated momentum and research on economic benefits of even small shifts in spending toward locally owned independent businesses. One recent study sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, Civic Economics and others compared 15 retailers and seven restaurants in Salt Lake City to national chain stores and restaurants. The study shows the independent, locally owned retailers return a total of 52 percent of all revenue to the local economy and the restaurants return more than 78 percent. The national chain retailers in the study recirculate an average of just less than 14 percent within local markets and the chain restaurants return about 30 percent.
But the three long-standing small business owners in Flagstaff agree that the benefits of shopping local are measured in more ways than by the money.
Owner of PS Printing, Ruth Austin, said that small businesses here are owned by families. They are not just locally owned, they are owned by people with kids, people who are supporting their parents or putting children through college. “By supporting a local business, you are supporting that family,” said Austin. “We’re all trying to have a little extra money and that goes right back into the community, into families.”
PS Printing is celebrating 18 years in business here and Austin and her husband Dino have a long-term investment and business perspective in the community. Dino was born and raised in Flagstaff and Ruth has lived here since 1976.
Austin also explained what is perhaps surprising when comparing a local and national printer. “They think they’ll save money,” Austin said of shoppers in the habit of online shopping. “But the reality is a local print shop in Flagstaff is able to compete price-wise.”
Lynda Fleischer, owner/manager of Altitudes Bar & Grill, has just enjoyed her best January, February and March ever. Altitudes recently expanded by adding a new back room with many more tables, and they are celebrating their 10th anniversary this summer. Fleischer said that 60 percent of her business is local, 20 percent is tourists and 20 percent is college students. “I rely heavily on local customers and repeat business,” said Fleischer. “That’s what our business plan is and that is what we are. And, it might side on the locals side even more.”
Fleischer added that a local business, including hers, is more likely to give a gift certificate, to support a silent auction, to give to a school or community group and to support local causes. One study by the Village of Williamsville, Illinois and their “shop local” campaign found that non-profit groups receive an average of 250 percent more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.
Brandy Wojciak and family are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Brandy’s Restaurant this summer and she has 36 years of restaurant experience in Flagstaff. “Local businesses are the personality and life of a town,” said Wojciak. “There’s personality in every single local business you go to, plus there is the enthusiasm of the owners.” She said local businesses like hers are where the locals get together and they employ a lot of people. “Of course the money part is important, but we would be nothing without our local customers,” said Wojciak. “I couldn’t be more grateful – our customers are everything.”
Although she’s had requests from artists from outside of Flagstaff, “we always have local art.” Currently, Brandy’s is featuring a return engagement by NAU professor and photographer Amy Horn with “A photographic display of color” on display through May 30.
Wojciak also stressed the positive collective impacts of local businesses. “You’re giving locals jobs – so that’s a huge impact,” Wojciak said. “Let’s say you put 20 small businesses together. It would be interesting to know how many people they employ over say a five-year period.” FBN
FiBA is a coalition of locally owned independent businesses and community members working together to develop the economic vitality of Flagstaff while enhancing and preserving its character. Visit www.flagstaffiba.com for more information.