BUYING LOCAL: GOOD OR BAD?
There is a growing movement towards buying local. What are the reasons for this, and what possible disadvantages might there be?
In recent years, there has been a move away from stocking up on essentials at mega supermarkets towards buying more frequently from local retailers. In my opinion, there are 5 several excellent reasons for this trend, but also a number of pitfalls to buying local. Perhaps the most important rationale for buying local goods is the growing awareness of climate change, and the obvious issues related to goods 10 being flown in from the other side of the world. In addition, more and more people are perturbed about products having been manufactured under terrible working conditions. Cheaper though the items may be, 15 worries about modern slavery often negate any discount.
Another benefit of buying local is that such shops frequently offer fresher foodstuffs, and display their wares for the customer to choose 20 from. It is also quite easy to get in contact with the owner and ask them to carry the products you need. Last but not least, there is the positive aspect of time one saves when shopping locally – you do 25 not need to spend the whole day in a shopping centre; instead you are able to devote some of it to your family and friends. In spite of these benefits, it should be recognised that there are some clear drawbacks 30 to shopping locally. Price is definitely an issue; although shopping in big supermarkets is timeconsuming and definitely not eco-friendly, convenience stores are always more expensive so many people economise by buying in bulk 35 from chain stores and prefer to shop around for the best deals.
There is also likely to be much less choice available in local shops. Many people enjoy spending hours mooching around the shops 40 in a big shopping centre – whether we like it or not, it has become part of our culture. It is somewhat harder to go on a shopping spree if there is only one local clothes boutique.
In conclusion, while there are undoubtedly 45 some downsides to buying locally, no one wants bricks-and-mortar shops to disappear and to be forced into a situation where they are unable to run errands in their neighbourhood. I would argue that the potential benefits for 50 our local economy and for the world as a whole clearly cancel out any disadvantages.
Questions
1. What trend has been happening in recent years regarding shopping?
There has been a move away from stocking up on essentials at mega supermarkets towards buying more frequently from local retailers.
2. What is perhaps the most important rationale for buying local goods?
The growing awareness of climate change, and the obvious issues related to goods being flown in from the other side of the world.
3. What are people perturbed about when it comes to products from abroad?
Products having been manufactured under terrible working conditions.
4. Why do worries about modern slavery negate any discount?
heaper though the items may be, worries about modern slavery often negate any discount.
5. What benefit do local shops frequently offer regarding foodstuffs?
Such shops frequently offer fresher foodstuffs, and display their wares for the customer to choose from.
6. What is one positive aspect of shopping locally in terms of time?
You do not need to spend the whole day in a shopping centre; instead you are able to devote some of it to your family and friends.
7. What is a clear drawback to shopping locally according to the text?
Price is definitely an issue; although shopping in big supermarkets is time-consuming and definitely not eco-friendly, convenience stores are always more expensive.
8. Why do many people economise by buying in bulk from chain stores?
Because convenience stores are always more expensive so many people economise by buying in bulk from chain stores and prefer to shop around for the best deals.
9. What problem exists with choice in local shops?
There is also likely to be much less choice available in local shops.
10. What is the writer’s conclusion about buying locally?
While there are undoubtedly some downsides to buying locally, no one wants bricks-and-mortar shops to disappear… the potential benefits for our local economy and for the world as a whole clearly cancel out any disadvantages.
