6 Reasons to Shop Locally

We tend to hear “shop local!” often, but why the big fuss? There are many underlying benefits to shopping locally, here are six reasons why we think it’s a big deal.

Keeping the dollar in your community

When you buy from a local creamery, farmer, or business, you are keeping that dollar in your community. On average, for every $100 spent at a small business, $68 stays in your community. Whereas if you were to spend the same amount at a national chain, only $43 would stay in the community. Shopping local supports the employee who lives down the street from you, or the investment to put up a new building in town. Small businesses are critical to local economy growth and development for the jobs they create, taxes they pay, and investments into the area that drive local wealth and support other businesses.

Know your farmer

Shopping locally can also allow you to know your farmer or creator, and make sure that their values align with yours. We understand that you want to feel good about buying your food, that’s why we take such good care of our cows.

Personalized service

Not to mention that shopping locally allows for a personalized touch. Small businesses often offer a more personalized experience for shopping than large chain stores. The level of service provided is often difficult to find at larger chain stores.

Unique products

Local establishments also offer unique products that you can’t find anywhere else. They can be more flexible to the styles, preferences, and needs of the local customers because they are more in tune with the area. They can source unique products from local suppliers and artisans, who tailor their products to meet the local market demand. Local businesses are also more likely to take great pride in their products, resulting in a superior product to one you would find at a big box store.

Good for the earth

Local goods are also green, that is, good for our earth. Sourcing food and products from local businesses cuts down on the need for long distance transportation, which can save your wallet and carbon emissions. For instance, our milk only travels 3 miles from our farm to our creamery where it is used in our make room to become delicious dairy products for our local communities to enjoy. If you bought dairy products from a large retailer, it is likely that milk will travel on average 256 miles from the farm to the production facility – and that doesn’t even count the additional miles it will travel to the retail store. Small businesses are also more likely to offer environmentally friendly products and packaging, and implement sustainable practices than large corporations.

Community building

Small businesses also add to the character and culture of a community. They often provide opportunities for adventure, celebration, events, or social gatherings.

At Dan and Debbie’s Creamery, all of these reasons are important to us, that’s why we take such care in crafting the perfect dairy product for you, and your family to enjoy. Shop local, Iowa-made products in our creamery store, or on our online store and have them delivered right to your door!