3 tips to encourage your friends and family to buy locally
Do you have a passion for supporting local businesses and producers? Do you wish your friends and family shared that same enthusiasm?
Try these three effective strategies to encourage them to embrace shopping locally.
Hear them out. Blaming them or calling them selfish could cause them to become defensive. Instead, take the time to understand their reluctance. Ask them why they feel hesitant about buying local. If you used to have similar concerns, share that you once felt as they did. Showing empathy and understanding will make them more receptive to your ideas.
Give them the facts. Gather statistics that highlight the benefits of shopping locally for both the economy and the environment. Address common misconceptions, such as the myth that “buying local is always more expensive.” Use data from reputable organizations, like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (cfib-fcei.ca/en/), to persuade even the most skeptical individuals.
Share your favourite finds. Your enthusiasm for local businesses and brands can be contagious. Talk about your favourite local shops and brands around the water cooler at work or on social media. When you share your excitement and recommendations, your friends and family might become curious, ask questions and eventually decide to shop locally themselves.
Every gesture counts in promoting local shopping. Start encouraging your neighbours, colleagues and friends to join the movement today!