Local Shopping Districts = Towns’ Lifeblood

Americans want to see their towns’ Main Streets thrive, and many say they are willing to do their part to keep local shops in business, new research commissioned by Faire concludes. An online marketplace serving independent brands and retailers around the world, Faire found consumers reported that they are willing to spend nearly $2000 more in 2024 if it means their favorite local shops will continue to thrive.

Other findings from the survey:

• Americans say they are personally willing to spend an extra $150 a month on average to make sure their local shops survive.
• More than 65% of Americans visit their local Main Street at least a few times a month, and nearly 75% feel sad, worried, guilty, or angry when their local shops shut down.
• Local shopping districts are so important that 85% say a candidate’s support of small businesses will influence who they decide to vote for this election year.
• Despite the impacts of inflation and the aftermath of the pandemic in recent years, nearly 80% of consumers report that their Main Street is stable or growing compared to 2019.

While small businesses in such districts face several unique challenges, independent retailers have fought the headwinds by offering their customers new and creative experiences, the company says.

“These shop owners play an incredibly important role in what makes a city or town feel unique,” said Faire co-founder and CE, Max Rhodes. “Their superpowers of curation, agility, and community building have successfully met a growing consumer demand for connection and values-driven shopping. By leaning into these advantages, they continue to increase market share.”

Click here for more from the Faire survey.