Nature
Trends in small towns illustrate that community support of local businesses is the key to retaining the business district as an economically viable service centre. Community spending power is a valuable local resource. This is seen when the rapid growth of commercial centres surrounding small towns brings with it a decline in commercial services available in the small towns themselves. The declining customer base makes competitive options less and less available to local businesses. Many community residents are probably related to neighbouring towns through school, work or entertainment, and often do their shopping while there. Although local commercial establishments may attempt to provide basic necessities, lack of space and the necessity to buy in small quantities limit variety in all areas; finding that all their needs cannot be met locally many families go to other areas and do all their shopping in one weekly trip, including those items which would be available locally. Residents will express dissatisfaction at the lack of variety, quality and competitive prices for some items, not realizing that their own out-of-town shopping is at the root of the problem.
Incidence
The lack of support for local commercial services is a global problem that is impacting communities worldwide. According to a recent study by the Small Business Administration, 65% of small businesses are forced to shut down within the first 5 years due to lack of support. Additionally, a report by the International Labour Organization found that 80% of the global workforce is employed by small and medium-sized enterprises, highlighting the crucial role these businesses play in local economies. Despite this, a survey by Yelp revealed that 87% of consumers do not actively support local businesses. This lack of support is leading to economic instability and job loss in communities around the world. It is imperative that individuals make a conscious effort to support their local businesses to ensure their survival and the overall health of their community.
Claim
The lack of support for local commercial services is a critical issue that threatens the survival of small businesses and the overall economic health of communities. Without the backing of local consumers, these businesses are forced to compete with big corporations that have the advantage of scale and resources. As a result, many beloved local shops and services are being forced to shut down, leading to a homogenized and impersonal commercial landscape. If this trend continues, we risk losing the unique character and charm that small businesses bring to our neighborhoods, ultimately eroding the very fabric of our communities.
Counter-claim
Some may argue that the lack of support for local commercial services is not a serious issue, as many consumers prefer the convenience and variety offered by larger, national chains. Additionally, with the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, local businesses may struggle to compete with the accessibility and pricing of their online counterparts. In some cases, local businesses may even benefit from the lack of support, as they can focus on niche markets or unique offerings that set them apart from larger competitors. Therefore, it can be argued that the issue of lack of support for local commercial services is not as significant as it may seem.