What are some reasons to shop local? Here are eight good ones provided by Makalia Records of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce:

More of your money will be kept in your local economy. For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.You embrace what makes your community unique. You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?You create local jobs. Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professionals.You help the environment. Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.You nurture community. Local business owners know you, and you know...