WHY LOCAL?

Need a few good reasons to shop local? We’ve got plenty.

Keep money in the community.

Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses keep dollars local longer, enriching the whole community. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, nearly half goes back into the community and our tax base. For every $100 spent at a chain store, less than 15% is recirculated.

Embrace what makes us different

In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinct character have an economic advantage. If we wanted to live somewhere that looked like everywhere else, we wouldn’t be living in La Plata County.

Create more good jobs.

Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally, offer greater loyalty to their employees, and in most sectors provide better wages and benefits than chains do.

Help out the environment.


Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, and walkable town centers, which in turn are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution. Many local businesses are making extra strides for the environment. Check out a growing list of Durango’s sustainable businesses here. 

Invest in the community.

Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining our historic town centers and linking neighbors. Local businesses are owned by people who live here, work here, and are more invested in our future, because they directly feel the impact of our decisions.

Put your taxes to good use.

Local businesses need comparatively less infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. Local businesses also contribute to public budget through taxes at a higher rate than national chains. 

Join the Movement

How can you help?

A few simples changes in your life can make a huge difference!

  • Find and patronize a locally owned business whenever possible. Commit to shifting just 10% of your purchases!

  • Dine at a local, independent restaurant and treat yourself to a unique and personal dining experience.

  • Look for the Local First Member sticker when you shop—that means they are a local, independent business.

  • Tell your associates, family, and friends what is happening and why. We all create our communities. Let’s create a strong and vibrant community as a legacy for those who follow.

  • Join the local movement! Support the work Local First and become a champion for good by joining as a business, non-profit or individual member.