1.       Local business owners invest in the community:  Local businesses are owned by people who live in the community and are more invested in Roslindale’s future.

2.       Locally-owned businesses invest in Roslindale nonprofits:  Nonprofit organizations receive an average of 350% greater support from local businesses than they do from national chains. Look and see who supports the Roslindale youth sports teams, school events, etc. Local businesses are there for the community.

3.       Shopping locally is an investment in the community because significantly more money re-circulates in Roslindale when purchases are made at independent businesses rather than national chains: Studies have shown that when you spend a dollar at a locally-owned business, $.45 stays in the community, and when you spend it at a chain, $.17 stays in the community.

4.       Most new jobs are provided by locally owned businesses: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and in Roslindale, they provide the most new jobs to residents.

5.       Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of our distinctive character: The unique character of Roslindale is what brought us here and will keep us here.

6.       Encourages investment in Roslindale: Economic research shows that entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to settle in a community that preserves their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character, which in turn increases the value of Roslindale homes.

7.       Customer service is better: Local businesses are closer to the customer and hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service.

8.       Competition and diversity leads to more choices: A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based on the needs of their local customers and not on a national sales plan, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

9.       Public benefits far outweigh public costs: Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

10.   It’s an investment in our environment.  Shopping locally minimizes transportation costs and doesn’t require the construction of huge parking lots, therefore helps combat global warming and pollution.