Of course the internet has it's place and has made it much easier to compare prices and source items that just aren't available locally. But whereever possible if you can buy locally it will greatly benefit the area where you live.
An example is when you spend your £ with a local small to medium independent business more of your £ will stay local. It will also boost employment and even have an affect on your the value of your home. Property prices are greater when they are near thriving town centres.
With local independents you can often find locally produced gems you just won't see on line. Handmade gifts, art, homemade food, produce from local producers and growers. There is also that wealth of knowledge which traders share with their customers, being recognised as a valuable regular customer, a sense of belonging as a local.
Many businesses have created their own loyalty schemes which help their customers save. These traders are trying to compete with much larger concerns with massive resources. If you want them to carry on they need your support. It's a matter of, if you don't use 'em, you will lose 'em!
