Retail Diversity Study Talking Points

A 2007 economic study shows that consumers in San Francisco can literally shape their city’s future through their buying decisions. Do we want to live in a city with thriving commercial neighborhoods or strip malls? Every purchase consumers make influences the retail landscape, and adopting a "Shop Local First" attitude will have a positive impact. With only a slight change in behavior, the impact can be huge. Just as individuals’ recycling efforts over the years have produced astonishing collective results, so, too, can their retail purchasing efforts.

A 10% shift in consumer spending, from chains and internet to locally owned retail, would create nearly 1,300 new jobs and more than $190 million in increased economic output for San Francisco. Consumers don’t have to spend more, just spend differently.

Local-owner merchants in San Francisco have significant strength in several retail categories, and their contributions to the economy of the city are substantial. They also provide incredible retail diversity and local charm, two reasons so many people want to live and visit here.

Locally owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60% higher rate than chain and internet retailers. They support other local business professionals and retailers - attorneys, bookkeepers, accountants, architects, web designers, printers, caterers, and restaurants, to name a few – that chain and internet retailers don’t.

Given the clear economic value of locally owned businesses to San Francisco, city leaders and policy makers have an opportunity to contribute to our future, through zoning and permit procedures, business subsidies, and city purchases.

A shift in consumer spending by city employees alone could have a measurable impact while providing both motivation and leadership to San Francisco residents and visitors.