Advantages for the consumer

#ComercioLocalEsVital

The proximity

As its name indicates proximity shops are accessible because they are in the direct environment of the consumer, that is, near the residential areas of the area of influence. It’s not necessary to travel miles away, they are often found on the ground floor of your home in urban areas or easily accessible by public transport. In the end, the customer can save time and gain a certain quality of life. By avoiding trips that are too long for additional purchases, the consumer will save the stress of traffic jams and crowded parking lots. The proximity allows greater flexibility, we do not hesitate to go to the neighborhood supermarket twice a day because we are missing an ingredient, for example.

Conviviality

In this era of digitalization of lifestyles, the human contact that the customer finds in the proximity trade is comforting. Far from the anonymity of hypermarkets, local merchants and sellers develop a richer relationships with their customers. Camaraderie is an essential element found in these relationships and is one of the consumer’s expectations. In fact, by definition, customers shops there very regularly, helping the seller to get to know the customer. Trust links are more easily created, the merchant knows this customer and their habits and can even give him credit or loan him certain material to test without obligation, In addition to the relationship of trust that binds him to the local merchant, the customer will also appreciate the cordiality shared with other customers who may be neighbors or friends he meets regularly in these stores.

Customizations

Thanks to regular visits, the merchant or seller knows his customers personally. In fact, in these local businesses, there is little turnover, so the customer-merchant bond is usually created over several years. This customer insight is a real asset to the consumer, as the merchant will naturally tailor their service and advice to further enhance the customer experience. For example, the small hardware store in the center of the city frequented for several years will be able to provide the best advice to the customer by knowing first-hand its history and its talent practicing DIY (either a lot or a little).

The social link

The impact of local commerce goes far beyond coexistence. For some isolated people, such as the elderly, local businesses represent a strong social bond. Daily visits to stores such as bakeries and butchers encourage these people to get out of their homes and meet other people. They make themselves known to merchants and the neighborhood, helping to combat the isolation they can sometimes experience. Furthermore, very often the youngest will take their first steps in economic life by frequenting the neighborhood stores. Local commerce represents a safe environment that incorporates all the uses of courtesy and socialization useful for the development of children, so parents feel calm when they let their 10-year-old son come down to buy bread on Sunday morning.

The quality

To differentiate themselves from the supermarkets, which are unbeatable in price, local stores often offer more qualitative products or services. These stores will focus more on artisan products, produced locally and that offer a very good image to consumers. Furthermore, the merchant’s close relationship with his customer strongly influences his reputation. This induces in the consumer a sense of peace of mind regarding the quality of the services and products prescribed by their trusted merchant. Therefore, the merchant who knows his customers will be more attentive to them because their loyalty is the essential elements for the sustainability of their business.

The reactivity of the service

After-seles service for major brands can be tedious and time-consuming, and the consumer will often be forces to deal with a telephone platform making the process eve longer. On the contrary, local business know that they owe their survival to local customers to whom they must provide a highly reactive service. In addition, the size of the company and the small number of interlocutors allow more personalized responses.

More facilities thanks to digitalization

Increasingly, local business have a digital presence, taking advantage of channels such as social networks, websites or onlines stores, and innovative systems such as mobile payment. New distribution systems are gradually being established, such as click and collect which allows customers to order a product from their computer or mobile device from their merchant and collect it during the day, often within an hour. Or like online shopping with fast delivery, in which the proximity of these stores allows a very high reactivity in delivery times, often in less than an hour. Also, more environmentally friendly urban means of transport (bicycles, scooters, etc.) are often preferred.

Support for the local economy

Shopping in local stores is almost a civic commitment. In fact, all the spending made in these business contributes to the dynamism of the local economy. On the one hand, these purchases generate taxes that partially feed back to the social and organizational services of the city and the country. On the other hand, choosing to spend money at local stores directly benefits employment in the area. Finally, supporting this local economy contributes to the general revitalization of the neighborhood or municipality. Maintaining these business maintains the virtuous circle of the dynamic cities by attracting active populations, families, and thus maintaining schools and public services. In the end, local commerce is an essential link in the balance of the municipality.

The environment

Frequenting local stores helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions linked to commuting. Since these stores are close to customers homes, customers often choose to go there on their way to or from work, limiting the ecological impact. The proximity of these stores also allows favoring ecological modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, public transport, etc. In addition to the means of transport, it should be taken into account the local business, especially small independent companies, often favor the sale of local products, reducing transport and consequently the carbon footprint. In short, by relocating our consumption, we also adopt environmentally responsible behavior.

Health

The fact of making less use of motorized transport and prioritizing transport such as cycling or walking, contributes to physical exercise, with the benefits that this entails for our health. Remember that ir is advisable to walk at least 30 minutes a day to keep fit and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.