In a school brimming with brand names, it’s often difficult to see past the blur of corporations. Now, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that large businesses are the downfall of civilization. But unfortunately their marketing skills and budgets overpower small businesses in our community. And really, what is the difference between LuLu Lemon and basic black leggings? Beyond the flashy U shape that brands your pants as overpriced, the answer is not much. Your local retailer will surely sell you something without that label, and she’ll even do it with a smile.

So here you have it: the top 7 reasons to give those local shops some more attention.

1. Contribute to the character of our community

Nobody wants to see a beautiful town, nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, and filled with strip malls or Denny’s parking lots. The local business owners define our city. They make the economic decisions, participate in the community outreach programs, and speak at the city board meetings. Without these people, Minnetonka would be nothing like the active hub of culture we see today.

2. Increase jobs in the area

In spite of Anna Weber’s recent article about job horror stories, I’m assuming that most of you want to work at some point in your lives.

3. Encourage an environment that supports entrepreneurship

Minnetonka is lucky enough to have programs like Vantage and DECA to encourage young entrepreneurs. If you want to start your own business, living in a strong community of small business supporters is invaluable.

4. Take less cash from your wallet

A bookworm once told me “Barnes and Noble is fascism.” Although I—along with most fascists—do not agree with that statement, she had a point. Its easy to see how corporations market so well when you see that added price on the back of the book.

5. Create a more active community

Do you want to keep seeing concerts in the Excelsior commons and neighbors who will buy your Boy Scout wreaths?

6. Bring traffic to our city

If cowboy style ghost towns could talk, they would tell you that there is one key ingredient to a thriving community: people. From the tourists who stop by local restaurants to the families who move into our town, people keep an economy alive.

7. Keep the money in the community

Purchasing from a local business ensures that the money will go towards improving Minnetonka. That circulation within our local economy also increases competition. The more you buy from local businesses, the lower the prices will go. And, you’ll reap all the benefits of a healthy, thriving Minnetonka.