By JACKIE TAYLOR | October 7, 2026

Shop local

Residents of any community hear the buzz words “shop local.” But in these days of $4.19 per gallon gas and every commodity necessary to live including food, electricity or other fuel, and more going up, consumers are making choices.

Beyond prices, consumers are making choices concerning use of time and money. Many are applauding the increase in services that are decreasing the time people spend in grocery stores and increasing at-home delivery businesses.

It’s another one of those services that is forcing our small grocers nationwide to stay in tune with growing trends consumers want in exchange for their money.

Localexpress.io reports that “The market opportunity is massive and accelerating - With US online grocery sales reaching $114+ billion annually in 2025 (21% YoY growth) and 61% household adoption, local services have unprecedented growth potential.

“Consumer preferences favor local businesses - 47% of consumers identify locally owned companies as important, with 32% ordering directly to support local businesses financially.

“Technology has democratized competition - Affordable platforms starting at $105/month and AI adoption reaching 86% of grocers enable small operators to compete effectively with giants.”

I found it a positive that the story outlined that grocery delivery can favor local businesses – it’s not a Walmart success story brewing, it’s a local grocery success story in the making for those who can and want to change.

All small businesses are in a tug-of-war between “this is how we’ve always done it” and “we have to modernize to stay in business and keep our market share.”

Change is tough, the investment is painful, but staying profitable and in business is the end goal. As an advocate of Machiavelli, “the end justifies the means,” change now will keep the doors open in the future.

As local businesses struggle, it’s very important that local residents understand how important a local grocery store is. Think about La Cygne; they lost their grocery story several years ago and any tax revenue from grocery sales was lost, money that should have been spent local is now in Kansas City or other surrounding communities.

What does that mean? It means people who would stop in to get hamburger or fresh lettuce, etc. are now doing their shopping at a Dollar General that does nothing for the local community. Corporate stores like Dollar General send their revenue back to corporate; with that they don’t support local school mum sales, garbage bag sales and umpteen other donations students ask local businesses for.

But it’s cheaper you say; well, it may save a few cents here and there, but the money that would have been gained to pave your street just went to Bentonville, Ark., or other corporate headquarters. So where does the money to pave your street then come from? From real estate taxes on your own home, in the community where you didn’t shop local so tax money could stay local.

517mag.com did an article on shopping local; “The Shop Around the Corner: Five reasons why shopping local can make a difference in your community

“Boost the Local Economy - When you shop local, you’re doing more than just buying a product — you’re making an investment in your community. Most of every dollar spent at a neighborhood business stays within the community, boosting the local economy. These businesses create jobs, pay taxes and support other small businesses, contributing to a thriving local ecosystem. Additionally, these businesses often source their products and services from other area suppliers, further circulating money within the area.

“Discover Unique Products and Services because local businesses often offer handmade, one-of-a-kind items or products sourced from nearby artisans, giving you the chance to enjoy something truly special — something that reflects the character of your community.

“Lessen the Environmental Impact as many area businesses focus on sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly materials or supporting local agriculture. When you shop locally, you contribute to a cleaner, greener community.

“Provide Better Customer Service, Strengthen Community Ties as these businesses often give back to the community by sponsoring events, contributing to local causes or simply being a familiar face.”

Think before you jump in your car to go north or south to shop; how would our community fare without our local grocery store? Is it worth it to shop elsewhere?

For our local grocer – how do you think outside the box to compete with delivery services, new products, etc.?

We need our local businesses – it’s tough out there, but the payback from buying local is immense.