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The Push to Buy Local

Posted by John Kowalski on Mon, Nov 09, 2009 @ 08:54 AM
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Since I got heavily involved within the Grand Rapids business community, I have become more aware of the  trend to buy local.  Buying local means several things and is accomplished  in many ways. 

A person can purchase goods from a farmers market, family restaurant (not franchises), boutique, or local artists allowing them to  give back to their local communities.  I am a huge supporter of buying local, and believe products are of great quality, businesses offer better customer service, and the experience is much more rewarding than purchasing from a big box store. 

LocalFirst, is a great organization that gives weekly updates on what is offered locally for a range of products and services.  Matter of fact, 834 Baba is a proud member of this organization, and many other companies are getting involved.  So are chain stores and franchise restaurants catching on to the “buy local” trend and adjusting their marketing strategy? 

Buying local has become popular among consumers, not just because of the unique products, but because your money is given back into the local community, and not another state, country, or huge corporation. 

Now that fall has arrived I am tuning into my favorite sitcoms.  While I was watching one day I noticed an interesting ad from McDonalds.  The commercial was focused on their fries, and how delicious they are and incomparable from their competitors.  It was interesting how one of the oldest and most successful fast food restaurants was advertising how they support local farmers, and they buy Michigan potatoes to produce their fries.  This got me thinking…McDonald’s is not the only company that is trying to appease customers by buying local. 

Frito-Lay has also given in to the idea of purchasing from local farmers for the production of the potato chip.  These companies may have always bought locally, but now they are incorporating the message into their marketing in an effort to entice consumers to buy their product over competitors.  Case in point, check out the press release Frito-Lay featured in May this year. 

Frito-Lay Press Release – May 2009

What are your thoughts in the push to buy local?  Do you think more franchises are going to tweak their marketing strategy to conform?

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Comments

Small businesses *are* the community. They know their demographic because they are run by their demographic. They support local causes, create local jobs, generate local revenue, and provide that unique "local flavor" that is becoming an endangered species. Speaking of which, they are also indicators of the health of an economy. When they thrive, we all do. 
A small business's focus on quality and customer satisfaction is far superior to that of a corporation because they are more personally invested with their products as well as to their customers. The ones that are still making it in today's market are doing so because they know how to keep loyal customers. These are consciencious consumers who realize that their money is going into quality, supporting people they know, and stimulating their own economy. 
 
It inspires me to know that I can do anything I set my heart on.  
 
I think the most important positive thing about small businesses is customer service and customer appreciation. In a major corporation everyone is so busy that no-one has time for the customer anymore. For example any major company you call nowadays has an automated system. Generally it takes you ATLEAST 8 minutes or more just to speak to an actual person. Because half of the options they have you don't need. In a smaller business there is more person to person contact. More genuine and personal service. I'm not against corporations per se'. I just think that it's definitely missing that feel of the old hardware store on the corner where the owner would answer any and every question you had w/out rushing you out the door to deal with 10 other people or things. It's the 'HELP' factor I'm talking about here.  
 
Despite commercialized businesses, small local businesses still flourish. 
 
Posted @ Tuesday, November 10, 2009 9:12 AM by BetsyJo
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