In study after study, researchers have found that the economic impact of shopping for goods and services at locally-owned businesses is significantly greater than at non-local alternatives.   For instance, in Austin, TX Civic Economics found that for every $100 spent at a local bookstore $45 stayed local, but for every $100 spent at a chain store only $13 stayed local.  Transfering some of this money from chain or internet businesses to local businesses can have a huge impact! 

Think Local First!