There’s a long-standing belief that shopping locally means paying more, but recent research is challenging this perception. Contrary to popular belief, local products can be priced similarly—or even lower—than their non-local counterparts. If you think supporting local businesses will break the bank, think again!
Are Local Products Actually Cheaper?
A groundbreaking 2022 study conducted in Quebec, Canada, analyzed over 350,000 price data points across 48 different product categories. The results were eye-opening: in 70.83% of these categories, locally produced items were priced the same or even lower than non-local products. This completely challenges the common assumption that local goods always come at a premium.
Local Pricing Across Canada
This trend isn’t unique to Quebec. A nationwide analysis found that 55.6% of local products across Canada were either price competitive or cheaper than their non-local alternatives. In 25 out of 45 categories, local products were found to be equally or more affordable, proving that local shopping doesn’t have to cost more.
Why Local Products Make Financial Sense
Here are a few reasons why buying local doesn’t mean spending extra:
- Seasonal Availability: When local products are in season, their prices are often lower due to reduced transportation and storage costs.
- Longevity and Quality: Local items often last longer and offer better quality. Fresher products lead to less waste, giving you better value for your money.
- Exclusive Deals: Local businesses frequently offer discounts and special promotions, making it easier to shop locally without overspending.
- Unique Products and Personalized Service: Local retailers offer unique products that aren’t available in larger stores and personalize their service to meet customer needs, enhancing overall shopping value.
The Hidden Economic Power of Shopping Local
Beyond getting great prices, shopping local has a tremendous positive impact on your community. According to a 2019 LOCO BC study of the economic impact of local businesses, 63% of every dollar spent at a local independent business is recirculated within the community, compared to just 14% at large chain stores. This means local businesses give back 4.6 times as much to the local economy, supporting local jobs, services, and other small businesses.
Why You Should Choose Local
While some local products may still have a higher price tag, the belief that local shopping is always more expensive is outdated. Research shows that many local products are just as affordable, if not cheaper, than non-local options. By choosing local, you’re not only getting great value—you’re also investing in your community and helping to build a more sustainable, connected future.
It’s time to rethink how we view the cost of shopping local. The research is clear: local shopping doesn’t have to cost more, and it has far-reaching benefits. So why not make your next purchase local? You might just be pleasantly surprised by what you find!
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9315852/
- https://www.locobc.ca/cpages/local-purchasing-research
- https://news.d.umn.edu/articles/expert-alert-economic-impact-shopping-local
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361966590_Is_Buying_Local_Less_Expensive_Debunking_a_Myth-Assessing_the_Price_Competitiveness_of_Local_Food_Products_in_Canada
- https://royalexaminer.com/3-misconceptions-about-buying-local/
