5 Reasons to Shop Local

We believe that shopping local is more than a trend, it’s a return to the way things were, a journey back to our roots, and a way of life that benefits the people and the planet.

In case you haven’t noticed by the products we bring in, our desire to celebrate you with 10% off every month, or our hashtags on Instagram, let us tell you straight up!

We love shopping local.

Here are five reasons we think you’ll love it too!

5. Your Shopping Experience will be better. When you spend time at the same businesses, the staff will probably get to know you. They’ll not only know your name, but know about your life. As a team member at Purple Carrot, I love meeting people everyday, then seeing them again. And again. . I take genuine delight in seeing customers repeatedly and building relationship with them. Working at a local businesses means that this happens everyday. And it means I can help customers better. I learn what they like, what they are allergic to, what they’re struggling with, and get to walk them in the directions of tools that might help. Unlike big box stores, we often have the time to serve you exclusively. You can have a one on one shopping experience with a trained staff member. There’s space to get your questions answered, and to feel connected to the product you are purchasing. And if you ask me, that’s a win.

4. You’ll have a lesser impact on the planet. Wherever we can, we will choose local people who make local products to bring them into our local store. And you reciprocate that when you buy from us and enjoy your short drive, bike ride or walk home. (We love when our customers bike here. It’s our favourite.) Without the need for airfare and far drives, there’s less emissions being released from the time of production all the way through to the time your local corn tortillas make it into your fridge.

3. You’ll be less stressed. Keeping it local means less driving all around to get what you “want,” and anxiety with endless options. When you go to the farmer’s market, what’s there is what’s there, and you choose it, eat it, and are nourished and thankful. In our case, we offer refills, which means you can get household cleaners and top notch products for cheaper, with less stuff/waste. Stress reduction win! Moreover, when you shop local and eat local, you end up shopping and eating seasonally. There’s less overwhelm in the selection. What’s there is what’s there, and you happily receive it. Did you know it’s even better for your body too? For example, eating seasonal produce means it was picked at it’s best. When it was fully developed in it’s growing season. When a plant’s growing conditions are optimal, when it has the best temperature, more sun, etc. it often yields higher levels of vitamins and minerals. It’s also more ethical for the people working and the people whose native plants are being taken away and shipped off to North America. We don’t need to eat mangoes every day of the year.

2. You will support the local economy. Putting your money into a local business means putting your money into your local community. Local business owners pay their hydro bills the same way as you, go to the same YMCA as you, and shop at the same stores. They are driving the same roads, under the same by-laws, and sending their children to the same schools. When you buy groceries at Purple Carrot, we see first hand how that directly supports local families, and in turn keeps your money in your community, building the economy, and helping a city grow and flourish.

1. And you’ll feel more connected to your community. I have met so many wonderful people through my job at Purple Carrot. I love talking with customers, and getting to know them. When I see them at the park or at the gym, or driving, or the thrift store, I am reminded of how thankful I am for the opportunity to meet so many people in our community. I’ve made friends shopping local, learned about upcoming events, initiatives and pertinent issues and grown into a better human by shopping local.