Shopping Local Pays Forward

We all know that Amazon is the most powerful force in the online retail world and it's easy to see why:  convenient site layout, fast delivery times and a huge selection.  Amazon, as well as other sites, keep us 'on our toes' on a daily basis since we know if we don't have something in stock - you may buy it on Amazon and not come back to us for the same item again.  I have a good friend who rarely steps into a Chapel Hill store because he buys most things on Amazon for the convenience without thinking of the local impact.  I'm hoping you'll take a moment to think about the effect the local merchants-such as ourselves-have on worthwhile organizations.

Just recently, Project Graduation had a record contribution year from local merchants- and Vacuum Cleaner Hospital was a major contributor (more than $500 in services).  VCH also advertises in more than four different school yearbooks as well as give vacuum cleaner contributions to various charitable organizations.  We were a sponsor for Touch A Truck in April that benefited the UNC Children's Promise Fund.

I was thanked just a couple of weeks ago by a professor at UNC for our Dyson canister contribution to the Wesley Foundation last October.  This is all made possible because local residents continue to shop with us

While Amazon is super convenient, if we all do more with them, there will be fewer local merchants where you can go for helpful, friendly advice as well as the product right when you need it.  You may save a few dollars online but don't forget by buying local, you're keeping your sales tax dollars in your local counties as well as employing local people, not fulfillment packers in other states or countries.

Thanks again for shopping with your local merchants.