Nov. 29, 2010 - The Retail Council of Canada has put together a release detailing why shopping local matters. Here are reasons you can share with your customer:

Canadian retailers are a vital part of the economy of your town.

More than 10 per cent of the workers in your community work in retail, and their jobs depend on your purchases. Fewer sales mean fewer hours of work available for your neighbours, including young people looking for the work experience that provides them with valuable career skills.

Canadian retailers are at the heart of your community.

Merchants of all sizes donate a significant portion of their revenues to local non-profit groups, sports teams, cultural activities and other important causes. Fewer sales mean less support for the people and causes in our communities that need it the most.

Our taxes support public services.

Taxes are never a popular subject, but the fact is the taxes collected and paid by retailers - both in the form of sales taxes and their own corporate taxes - are a significant source of revenue for all levels of governments, which use that revenue to help pay for health care, education, road repairs, and a host of other services we all use every day.

After-sales service and warranties are easier.

Some products may require installation or service once you bring it home. Other products, like electronic items or appliances, come with a warranty. In both cases, your local merchant is just around the corner if anything happens to go wrong.

Returns are more convenient.

Wrong size? Wrong colour? Bought two of the same thing? A local merchant can more likely handle any of these issues with ease, compared to the time and effort it would take to bring the item back to an out-of-country retailer.

Different countries have different standards.

While countries have made great strides in harmonizing standards, you can't be completely sure you are getting exactly the same thing when you buy products abroad. Buying at home from retailers you trust ensures you get exactly what you expect and minimizes the chances of buying defective or unsuitable products.