SHOP LOCAL, SUPPORT OUR JUPITER BUSINESSES.

Jupiter, Florida has such an incredible variety of creative businesses from which to choose when shopping for gifts or even for your own family. Often times we can find the most spectacular treasures in the quaint little stores that few other may even notice.

If we all committed to spend just $100 at Local stores rather than a chain store each year, it would put $6.5 million dollars back into our own economy!  That's huge! And to go one step further, secondary spending in Jupiter would increase by 47% rather than the average 14% if the monies instead go to big chain stores.

If you need a little more  persuasion then consider these 10 reasons that buying local is best:

1. You are investing in someones dreams, actions and ability – An artist is only as good as the next sale (or so they say) so when you buy that special item, you are affirming that the artist has a gift, you are complimenting them and telling them to keep on doing what they are doing.
    
2. You are buying something unique – there is no cliché here, when something has been made by hand it will always be a little different to a similar item. Therefore every product has an individuality, a personality of its own.
    
3. Handmade = Made with love, passion and dedication
    
4. Don’t be a sheep – why give a gift that several other people will possibly/probably also buy? Sure, the recipient will be thrilled you thought of them, grateful even, but think of the delight when they discover something original!
    
5. Local products are better for the environment – no shipping, no unnecessary packaging, no extended transport needed. Think of the carbon emissions that are saved.
    
6. Innovation – Local artists are in a position to innovate, they have total control over what they produce and can do so swiftly, responding to technology and trends far quicker than mass-produced bulk.
    
7. By shopping from a local artist you are providing an income for them, their family and their staff. Often makers are independent businesses, sole proprietors who invest their every moment in keeping their business afloat, so every sale counts.
    
8. Collaboration – What a perfect opportunity to work with a special maker to create something to your specifications. Their adaptability and creativity can accommodate your concepts resulting in a one-off item that you have helped to design.
    
9. The economy – Small businesses really struggle to get their businesses off the ground. By shopping at small businesses you are helping to ensure that they do not just end up as another statistic.
    
10. Finally, because you are buying a little part of the artist, something they have put their heart and soul into. What a wonderful way to support creativity, and purchase a work of art at an affordable price.