There are several grassroots organizations focused on keeping Flagstaff unique by supporting locally owned businesses that contribute economic stability, pizzazz and personality to our town. There’s the Flagstaff Independent Business Alliance (FIBA), Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3), and the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA), among others. Yet, it’s still very difficult for worthy locally owned businesses to survive here. Why is that? Maybe because we’re all local business owners and we’re preaching to the choir.
Before I was a small business owner, I was oblivious of the benefits to my life and my community of shopping local. I just thought of saving money. I wasn’t mindful of the fact that locally owned businesses employ locals, leave a much smaller carbon footprint, pay more local and state taxes that support local schools, social services and infrastructure and keep more money in town. I realized that local business owners are customers of other local businesses, i.e. printers, accountants, farms, restaurants, attorneys, athletic clubs, etc. They put the “commune” in “community.”
According to the American Independent Business Alliance, “Each dollar you spend at a local independent business returns three times more money to our local economy than one spent at a chain – a benefit we all can bank on.”
I was a psychotherapist specializing in trauma for 27 years. It was very rewarding but I slowly realized I needed to move my soul from Traumaville to Mayberry (if you don’t know Mayberry, ask your mom). I retired and became a business owner in Downtown Flagstaff. I also shifted my shopping and dining habits to prioritize patronizing other local business owners. I joined (and then became a board member of) the Flagstaff Independent Business Alliance.
I’ve learned there are less measurable, but very palpable reasons to shop local and become a supportive “local,” it’s great for my emotional well being! I’ve forged many friendships with and loyalties toward other small business owners who really appreciate me and my patronage. I have loyal customers who are now friends and whom I truly love and appreciate. Many are smart about gear and outdoor activities and have been generous with their expertise and advice. I employ numerous “gear heads” who keep me young and team with me to keep improving the shop and the customers’ positive experience.
I recycle outdoor gear at my shop. A lot of great stuff comes from people who are moving away from Flagstaff for lack of local opportunities. It saddens me. “Poverty with a view” is an old stale joke, or maybe a collective self-fulfilling prophecy. We need a paradigm shift. Shifting the way you shop, even a little bit, is an important step to creating personal and collective “Vitality with a View.”
The American Independent Business Alliance also wrote, “The casual encounters you enjoy at neighborhood businesses and the public spaces around them build relationships and local cohesiveness. They’re the ultimate social networking sites!”
I’ve found that I save more money on high quality groceries at the Farmer’s Market, the Community Farmer’s Market (in season) and Bashas (an Arizona company) than I did at the national chains. The food I’m dining on in restaurants is sourced locally when possible and is usually much more delicious. The bill and tip are more than worth the culinary thrill and occasional conversation with an appreciative entrepreneur.
If you really look at all your local choices, you’ll be amazed at the variety, quality, creativity and value you will find. When I do spend a little extra money for a local product or service, I love knowing that it’s not going to corporate headquarters in Cleveland, or wherever, it’s circulating in our local economy creating more local vitality.
The next time you’re shopping online or in big box stores, stop and consider whether some of your purchases could be made from a local vendor. Prioritize mom and pop shops over chains. It will make you more conscious of your purchasing behavior, which may save you money in the end.
Flagstaff is truly my Mayberry. I hope you will make it your Mayberry and support all of the worthy, hardworking people that own unique, high quality businesses, shops and restaurants that make our town so interesting, attractive, friendly and fun. FBN
KatyLu Peterson is the owner of Flagstaff Sports Exchange at 19 W. Aspen Ave.,
www.flagstaffusedsports.com. She can be reached at kpeterson@flagstaffusedsports.com or
playgreen@flagstaffusedsports.com.