The Clearwater Conundrum: Shopping Locally vs. Shopping Corporate

Shopping locally in Clearwater versus shopping at large, corporately owned businesses, such as Walmart or Target or making the travel to Clearwater Mall off the US-19 to an even bigger commitment of running all the way to International Plaza in Tampa. In our economy, many shoppers from Clearwater, Largo and Dunedin opt to take their business to big-box stores in an effort to take advantage of their discounts and bulk values. However, this rush to capitalize on low prices has led to growing concern about the future of “High Street” shopping. While we all want to enjoy a bargain – especially on the household necessities that can break the bank if not purchased at a discount – none of us want to witness the end of locally owned small businesses in Clearwater.

To help you decide where to make your next purchase, here are some of the benefits and drawbacks to shopping at small, locally owned businesses, versus shopping at big-box retailers.

• Where Your Money Goes – One of the important things to consider when you are deciding where to shop is just where your money will be going after you check out. While there are some who practically criminalize corporate retailers like Walmart, it’s important to step back for a moment and remember that a purchase at Walmart isn’t an insult to your town or community. In fact, considering that many of your friends and neighbors may be employed at your local Walmart, you just might be helping a parent support a household. Thus, while shopping locally does in fact do wonders for your town’s local economy, this does not mean that shopping at Walmart does the opposite. Walmart and big-box stores do help their communities flourish economically: Just in a different way.
• Why Prices are Different – Because of their size and scope, big-box retailers are able to price products lower than their independently owned counterparts. Despite this, however, the profit on any given product for both companies will oftentimes be the same. This is because big-box stores are able to negotiate deals directly with companies, while small businesses typically have to just accept whatever price point they are offered.
• Who Ultimately Profits – Although your friends and neighbors may be benefiting from their employment at a big-box retailer, it is important to remember who ultimately profits from your purchase at one of these businesses. In the end, it is in fact CEOs and bigwigs, whereas in a small, locally owned business, a local merchant is the one who benefits from your purchases. This means better circular economics within Clearwater as these owners will inevitably spend locally as well.

So after considering these benefits and drawbacks, where is the best place to spend your money? Ultimately, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. One of the best ways for shoppers to balance their spending dollars is to utilize big-box stores for brand name household items, such as soda or detergent. However, choose to take advantage of the unique products at locally owned businesses for things like décor, cosmetics, or specialty food items. Small businesses aren’t weighed down by the same corporate rules as big-box stores, and hence can lend their retail space to local artisans and farmers, enabling you as a customer to find interesting and homegrown items that could not be located in the aisles of your Walmart or Target. When it comes to deciding to shop locally, your decision doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing one; balance your shopping dollars, and you will enjoy the benefits of both corporately and locally owned businesses.