Whose business is it anyway?   It’s everyone’s business where you shop because supporting our local businesses is essential to a prosperous community.   When we buy locally, the dollars spent “roll over” a number of times in the community.  According to experts, retail dollars roll over approximately 3 ½ to 4 times in a community.  Retail profit margins are often very small, depending on the type of products sold.  Longer hours are often a challenge for retailers, with labor costs being significant.  The lure of on-line shopping is strong too, but except for local businesses that make on-line shopping an option; internet shopping contributes nothing to our local economy through salaries, taxes and local support. Today’s economic news provides another reason to shop at home. While the 24 hour news stations are telling everyone how tough times are, let’s do what we can to support the businesses in our own hometown. 

The spring and summer seasons are very important for the success of our retail community. We enjoy a robust and diverse economy in the Faribault area.  Whether your personal preference for a shopping experience is one of the quaint historic downtown shops, “big box” stores, a unique shop tucked away within our community or the mall and strip malls around town, Faribault is fortunate to have such amazing choices.  Each experience has its own special charm, and there truly is something for everyone here. 

Before you pick up the phone to place a catalog order or go on-line to make your next purchase or jump in your car to shop in another town…Ask yourself these questions.

Do the stores I patronize:

• Contribute to worthy local causes?
• Pay taxes to help fight crime and make improvements in my community?
• Let my club or organization put posters in their windows?
• Contribute to local youth groups for camp or sports or music programs? 
• Buy and ad in the high school yearbook?
• Greet me if I passed them on the street?
• Support the United Way or Local Food Shelf?
• Stand behind the products and services they sell?

The people who own and operate small businesses take a risk every day.  They open their doors, sweep off the welcome mat and prepare to greet their customers.   They shoulder a significant tax burden for the benefit of all of us. They employ people who then in turn engage in the commerce of the community too.  They offer benefits when they can and become a home away from home for employees every day. They build windows, produce cable, and process beans and turkeys. They provide our businesses with technology and staffing. They insure our homes and possessions and help us stay warm and safe.  They build buildings and make signs and sell TV’s, cars, and jewelry.  They take care of our health and our kids.  They keep us looking good and having fun.  They keep us fed and provide entertainment, along with places to meet and connect.  They build the community and make our quality of life very special.  The products and services they offer enrich and sustain our lives. 

Faribault businesses are poised and ready for your business.    In a special way I would like to thank the members of the Chamber of Commerce. These businesses contribute financially and with volunteer hours, to help make our community a great place to live and work.  

We must all support local businesses, shop Faribault first, and encourage family friends and co-workers to do the same.   Doing so increases the likelihood of financial success and longevity for our local businesses. That success benefits the whole community.