When you choose a local store over a big chain, that decision helps Chilliwack. Spending money locally creates a cycle of investment that benefits everyone in the community. This article explains how that works and how you can participate.
Local businesses are owned by people who live here. They hire local employees, use local services, and are more likely to support local charities and events. The money you spend with them has a greater chance of staying in and strengthening our city’s economy.
The Local Spending Multiplier Effect
Economists talk about the “local multiplier effect.” It means money spent at a local business continues to circulate in the community. Here is a simple way to see the difference.
| Spending Choice | Where the Money Often Goes | Direct Community Benefit |
| National Chain Store | To corporate headquarters outside Chilliwack, to distant suppliers, to non-local shareholders. | Lower. Primarily creates local entry-level jobs. Profits leave the community. |
| Local Independent Business | To the local owner’s household, to local employees as wages, to other local Chilliwack businesses for services, to local charities. | High. Creates local jobs, supports local families, and funds community projects. Profits are reinvested here. |
A study by the American Independent Business Alliance found that locally-owned businesses recirculate 48% of their revenue locally, compared to about 14% for chain stores. This creates more jobs, higher incomes, and a more resilient local economy.
How to Actively Support Local in Chilliwack
Understanding is good. Action is better. Here are specific ways you can make a difference.
Change Your Shopping Habits
Start with one regular purchase. Commit to buying your coffee, bread, or groceries from a local provider instead of a national chain. Use a directory like Chilliwack Connect to find butchers, bakers, and farmers’ markets near you.
Choose Local Services
For home repairs, legal advice, or financial planning, seek out local firms. When you need a plumber, an accountant, or a dentist, look for a Chilliwack business first. These professional services represent a large part of our local economy.
Make Leisure Local
When planning things to do in Chilliwack, consider local options. Go to a community theatre production, visit a local museum, or attend a festival. When looking for restaurants in Chilliwack, choose independently-owned eateries over national franchises.
Advocate for Local
Tell your friends about great local businesses. Leave positive online reviews. Ask your employer if they can source supplies locally. These actions build a culture that values local commerce.
The Bigger Picture: Community and Character
The benefits go beyond economics.
- Unique Character: Local businesses give Chilliwack its unique identity. They are the shops, cafes, and services you won’t find anywhere else.
- Local Jobs: These businesses create diverse jobs in Chilliwack, from entry-level positions to skilled careers. They invest in local talent.
- Community Investment: Local owners have a personal stake in Chilliwack’s success. They are more likely to donate to school fundraisers, sports teams, and local causes.
- Environmental Impact: Shorter supply chains for local goods can mean a smaller carbon footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping Local
Does shopping locally really cost more?
Not always. While some goods may have a slightly higher price, local services are often competitively priced. You also get better, more personal service. The long-term value of keeping money in our community outweighs a small price difference for many people.
I’m busy. Is there an easy way to find local businesses?
Yes. Online directories are built for this. Chilliwack Connect is a local directory that lists trusted Chilliwack businesses. You can search by category or service to quickly find what you need, from hardware stores to hair salons.
How can a business get listed in a local directory?
Most local directories want to be comprehensive. For example, a business can typically add or claim its listing on Chilliwack Connect through a straightforward process on the website. It is usually free for a basic listing.
What if I need a specific item a local store doesn’t carry?
Try asking them. Local retailers can often order specific items for you. This gives you what you need and still supports a local merchant. It is a good compromise.
Your Role in Our Community’s Economy
Every purchase is a choice. Choosing local is an investment in your neighbors, your city’s character, and your local economy’s future.
It is not about never using big box stores or online retailers. It is about being mindful and shifting a portion of your spending. If each household shifted a small amount, the collective impact would be significant.
Chilliwack Connect exists to make those choices easier. It is a tool to discover the local options available right here. You can use it to find services, plan your weekends, and support the people who help make Chilliwack a strong and distinctive community.
Start exploring your local options today.
