Shopping small benefits the economy and our communities in so many ways.
Shopping local ensures that 68 cents on every dollar remains in the local economy. Money you spend locally gets circulated right back into your community. You’re helping locals keep their jobs, create more jobs, and invest in local community initiatives.
Shopping local means keeping money local, building a better local economy, reducing environmental impact, creating jobs, connecting with the community, putting your taxes to good use, supporting local creators, getting better customer service, helping local nonprofits, getting fresher and more unique products, putting a face to the creator, keeping the community unique, and encouraging local prosperity. Whew! That’s a lot of good!
Whether you are looking to find alternatives with regard to big box stores abandoning their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies or simply because you want to make a better effort to shop small whenever possible, check out these alternatives to shop local instead of at large retailers:
Health and Beauty
Launch Party
Simply Zero
Books
There are several indie bookstores around Cincinnati. Some favorites are:
Bookery
Downbound Books
My advice? Always check a book out from the library first—the Libby app allows you to place holds and check out ebooks and audiobooks for free. If you love the book and would like to have it permanently on your shelf, head to your favorite indie bookstore (including Friends of the Public Library).
Coffee
There is no shortage of great coffee in Cincinnati, and so many local coffee shops you can support. (Check out @cincycoffee_ for more!) Just some recommendations include:
Chasing Cali Collective Reading
418 W Benson Street
Cream + Sugar Coffee House Evanston
3546 Montgomery Road
Fable Cafe Westwood
3117 Harrison Avenue
Fort Thomas Coffee Fort Thomas
1 Highland Avenue
Wyoming Community Coffee Wyoming
434 Springfield Pike
[Note: while Biggby Coffee is a larger regional retailer, all 31 of its area stores are locally owned.]
Restaurants
Eating local may cost a little bit more, but local restaurants serve quality goods, often sourced from local farms and gardens, employ people from the community, and keep our neighborhoods unique.
Want a suggestion based on your location, preferences, and budget? Just ask!
Groceries
Clifton Market
Findlay Market (app)
Jungle Jim’s
Paper Goods
Where you can, cut back. These reusable and machine washable goods are eco-friendly alternatives to paper towels. One Swedish dish towel can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels. Some places you can purchase locally include:
Simply Zero $7
Artichoke (available on the Findlay Market Shopping app)
Cookware
Including kitchen tools, food storage, and accessories
Jungle Jim’s
Artichoke
Pet Food, Treats, and Goods
Pet Wants
Argos
Brewhaus Dog Bones (retailers)
Jungle Jim’s (Fairfield, Eastgate)