(1) KEEP MONEY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 goes back into the community – and our tax base. For every $100 spent at a chain store, only $14 comes back.

(2) EMBRACE WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Where we shop, eat and hang out makes our neighborhood home. Chain stores are getting more aggressive throughout our state and changing the character of our cities. One-of-a-kind independent businesses are real. If we wanted to live somewhere that looked like everywhere else, we wouldn’t be
living in Arkansas!

(3) GET BETTER SERVICE
Local businesses often hire people who have a better understanding of the products they’re selling, and take more time to get to know customers.

(4) BUY WHAT YOU WANT, NOT WHAT SOMEONE WANTS YOU TO BUY
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses means low prices over the long-term. Small businesses, choosing products based on what their customers love and need – not a national sales plan – guarantees a more diverse range of product choices.

(5) CREATE MORE GOOD JOBS
Small local businesses are one of the largest employers nationally and in Arkansas, and local businesses offer greater loyalty to their employees.

(6) HELP OUT THE ENVIRONMENT
Independent businesses make purchases requiring less transportation and usually set up shop in commercial corridors and in-town instead of developing on the fringe.This means less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

(7) SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS
Nonprofits receive an average 350% more support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.

(8) INVEST IN THE COMMUNITY
Local businesses owned by people who live and work there are more invested in the future of a community.

(9) PUT YOUR TAXES TO GOOD USE
Local businesses need comparatively less infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the local community.

(10) SHOW WE BELIEVE IN ARKANSAS
In an increasingly homogenized world, people are more likely to invest in or move to communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and unique attitude.

- Locate Arkansas Farmers’ Markets, U-Pick Farms & Farm Stands at
www.naturallyarkansas.org