Why Shopping Local Matters (Now More Than Ever)

In our current unstable economy, it’s easy to default to buying anything and everything online or at major retailers. But by seeking out and supporting local businesses, you’re also supporting your local economy and the hardworking people of Kaua’i. And, you’re keeping your money in the local community.

Here are 5 reasons why you should shop local:

1. Keep money in the local economy

   Our money is valuable, and it is an important tool in helping determine what kind of world we want to live in. The decisions we make as consumers influence our economy, especially the local economy. Your money is your vote, and it is often the best way to show support for the things you believe in. By prioritizing shopping locally, you’re helping to boost the local economy and cycle money back into the community. Shopping at chain stores may be easier and often cheaper, but that money goes toward big corporations that don’t necessarily invest in our community. Our money is powerful, and by spending it thoughtfully and at places we want to support, we can make a big impact in our own community.

2. More jobs and money for locals

   Local businesses employ local people. By supporting small businesses, you’re helping locals make a living and giving them the resources to contribute to our island’s economy. It’s hard to find workers these days, and by valuing the businesses you like and the people they employ, you can help these small businesses continue to employ and support local people. Locals are relocating off the island and out of state every day due to the high cost of living. It’s not easy making a living here as a local, and by supporting small businesses, owned and operated by locals, you’re helping to keep our island’s workforce alive.

3. Products grown and produced on island

   Local businesses try to source, produce, and grow products here on island. Here at Seascapes, we propagate and grow as much as we can from our 5-acre property to be more sustainable, resourceful, and self-sufficient. Quality is our goal, and our amazing employees work hard to propagate, pot, and nurture quality plants for our customers. You, as the customer, benefit from purchasing plants you know are grown with care, intention, and our island in mind.

4. Support sustainability

   Supporting local businesses directly correlates with the three pillars of sustainability. These pillars are environmental, social, and economic. Studies show that locally-owned businesses are more likely to pay better wages, are more mindful of environmental impacts,  and invest more in local causes. Communities with more locally-owned businesses benefit across all three pillars: socially, environmentally, and economically. By shopping at local shops and businesses, you’re promoting these three pillars and helping our island be more sustainable!

5. Personal relationships

   Here at Seascapes, we know the value of personal relationships with our customers and clients. We take pride in our team being helpful, friendly, and familiar to our new and regular customers. We form relationships with our customers and by getting to know you, we can better serve your needs. We love hearing your feedback and truly take YOU into consideration when making big decisions about our products. Our staff is knowledgeable, and we invest in our team by giving them in-house training and learning opportunities to further their plant knowledge. And you can rely on our staff to offer helpful advice. In a world that is becoming more and more automated and less and less human, you can count on us and our team to personalize your shopping experience and build relationships in and out of the nursery.