Shop Local: Why Supporting Small Businesses Benefits Our Community Year-Round
Shop Local: Why Supporting Small Businesses Benefits Our Community Year-Round

When the holiday season rolls around, reminders to "shop small" and "shop local" abound, but supporting local businesses isn’t just for the holidays. It’s a commitment that has a ripple effect in our community, creating a stronger, more connected, and sustainable local economy. At Louis Auto Glass, as a proud local business in Whatcom and Skagit counties, we know firsthand the transformative power of keeping it local—not just in December but all year long.
Local Dollars Stay Local
When you spend money at a local business, 68% of every dollar stays in the community compared to only 43% when you shop at a national chain. In Whatcom and Skagit counties, this means your money contributes to local jobs, local suppliers, and local families. Local businesses are more likely to source their supplies locally, amplifying the economic benefits even further.
Community Generosity: Philanthropy Starts Here
Local businesses play an outsized role in supporting our schools, charities, and community projects. For example, small businesses like those in downtown Bellingham or Mount Vernon account for 65% of all charitable giving nationwide. Here in Whatcom and Skagit counties, many local businesses sponsor youth sports leagues, donate to local food banks like the Bellingham Food Bank, and support environmental initiatives like Nooksack Salmon Enhancement projects.
Environmental Benefits
Shopping local also reduces the environmental impact. Goods and services sourced locally travel shorter distances, cutting down on transportation-related carbon emissions. For instance, local artisans and farmers at the Bellingham Farmers Market not only provide fresh, high-quality goods but also help create a sustainable ecosystem by encouraging reduced packaging and transportation waste.
Building a Sense of Community
Supporting small businesses helps maintain the unique character of our towns. The friendly faces at your neighborhood coffee shop or your local auto glass experts are part of what makes our community feel like home. Local businesses help foster personal relationships, creating a tight-knit network that national chains simply cannot replicate.
By the Numbers: Small Businesses in Whatcom & Skagit Counties
- Over 90% of businesses in Whatcom County are classified as small businesses.
- These businesses employ more than half the county’s workforce, according to the Washington State Small Business Economic Profile.
- For every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $45 goes toward local wages that support families right here in our community.
Take Action: How You Can Support Local Year-Round
- Dine and Shop Locally: Choose local restaurants, boutiques, and service providers.
- Spread the Word: Share your favorite local businesses on social media or leave them a positive review online.
- Think Local First: Before heading to a big-box store, consider if a local business can meet your needs.
By making a conscious choice to support local businesses like Louis Auto Glass and others throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties, you’re not just buying goods and services—you’re investing in the future of our community.
So this year, as you check off your holiday shopping list, remember to carry that local spirit into every season. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community, one local purchase at a time.
For more information about how Louis Auto Glass supports the local community, or to schedule a repair, give us a call or visit us online. Let’s keep it local, together!
Behind the Glass: Expert Insights from the Auto & Residential Glass Pros






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