Shopping Local Saves You Money And Helps The State’s Economy All At The Same Time
Published in Chandler/San Tan Magazine – May/June 2010 Issue
By Alicia Guerrieri, Founder, iSearchDecor
More and more residents of the valley are realizing it is time to stay put in their homes due to the current market conditions in real estate. We call this group, the “stay-at-homers”. Many are realizing that now is not the time to move unless absolutely necessary. As the result, folks are looking for ways to beautify their homes without breaking the bank.
Have you ever stopped to think about the dollars you can save by turning to your local merchant for your furnishings and home services? Ikea and Ashley Home Furniture are terrific stores with phenomenal products, but have you ever considered what it means to our state when you buy from a locally-owned business? Not only can you save money by supporting your local merchants, but you are also supporting the state programs and services funded by the dollars generated by your purchases. “When you shop at a locally owned business, 45 cents of every dollar stays in Arizona – versus only 13 cents of every dollar spent at a national chain”, says Local First-Arizona, a non-profit organization working to strengthen communities and local economies.
A new way for residents of the valley to find the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals) is through a new online, free, real time, matching application for consumers provided by iSearchDecor. iSearchDecor is a locally based company that, at no charge, provides an easy way for consumers to venture out of their immediate vicinity and find local hidden gems that one may have never found on their own. Many people tend to go to the same places over and over again, or aimlessly drive around not knowing where to go. With iSearchDecor, instantaneously, consumers can receive targeted information on where to go for exactly what they need in home decor. A map is even provided for quick reference.
How can a consumer save money by shopping with local merchants?
1. Locally owned businesses are typically small businesses with limited marketing budgets that depend on word of mouth marketing and referrals to generate new business. This can leave more dollars available for tremendous savings back to the consumer.
2. Locally owned businesses can be more inclined to work with a consumer on pricing by providing special deals and incentives based on the volume of purchases made. Typically a decision can be made very quickly because the store owner is immediately available to work with you.
3. Additional dollars can be saved by using the iSearchDecor online matching application. Consumers who utilize the service receive “special” insider savings as offered by each merchant in the iSearchDecor network.
Look to a local merchant first for all of your home décor and home service needs. By supporting them, you are also supporting your community and your state.
Alicia is the CEO and Founder of iSearchDecor. iSearchDecor offers a FREE online matching service connecting consumers looking to decorate or remodel with unique, locally-owned “hidden gem” home decor stores and service professionals The online system provides a perfect match to home decor stores and service professionals that have exactly what each consumer is looking for. Consumers enjoy insider savings from each merchant and receive a map to each location. There are over 200 categories to choose from. Visit www.isearchdecor.com
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