Shopping Local in Downtown Tucker

“Buy local” is an idea which grew popular in recent years in reaction to the relentless expansion of “big box” chain retail stores. Studies prove these large chain stores drain wealth from communities.

Initiatives such as The 3/50 Project encourage consumers to make purchases in local, independent shops, rather than “big box” stores. Founded by Cinda Baxter of Minneapolis, the 3/50 Project asks consumers to pick three independently owned businesses in their area and spend a total of $50 per month at these stores. By doing so, consumers will stimulate their local economy and ensure more of the money spent will stay in the community by way of taxes, payroll and other applications.

Downtown Tucker is fortunate to have many independent retailers with much to offer. One of Main Street’s newest shops is The Garden Enthusiast. Founder Linda Karr opened her shop in late April of 2011 and says the downtown Tucker location has been “wonderful.” “This location just made sense,” Karr said. “It’s the small town feel.” Even with just over four months in business, Karr is pleased with the local support of The Garden Enthusiast. “The people have been great. We have people that are coming in every week. The reception has been wonderful.”

Another new downtown Tucker business is , owned by Heather Gulden. Gulden, who is familiar with the 3/50 Project’s ideas, says the support of local businesses is vital to our economy and sense of community. “I think Tucker is going to have a bit of a resurgence,” Gulden said. “I think all the makings are there.”

Gulden spoke of the importance of keeping spending local whenever possible. “I think it’s so easy to go to a big box store, but I don’t think people realize how limiting it is in their options, in the choices they have, and that that money doesn’t stay in our communities. It might in the immediacy of employing some people and that kind of thing, but all of that stuff is made in other countries and it’s sourced in other countries.”

Gulden appreciates the Tucker community’s response to her business. “I love it. Tucker has been really embracing and really welcoming and a lot of people, more than I expected, come in stating that they want to shop with me because I’m local, I’m independent,” she said. “It makes me feel great!” Gulden decorates her shop with pet portraits by local photographer Leesia Teh. “She is local. She shops here, too,” Gulden said.

Shopping locally can be about more than just keeping funds in your own neighborhood. The quality of products and service are often better than at national chains. Kelly Holloway of noted, “The average person assumes that since it’s a big box kind of a store that it’s going to be cheaper.” Often, Holloway says, “they buy a much cheaper, lower quality product and sell it for much more than the nicer quality product that I’m selling for the same price.”

Larry Schupbach, the certified pedorthist owner of agrees. ““My main strength is the quality of work that you get here. You get world class workmanship.” Village Shoe Service has been open since 1969, operating in several locations. Schupbach has enjoyed his Railroad Avenue location for the past two years. “I always try to [shop locally], just to support the local economy. If everyone around here is doing ok then it’s better for me. When I renovated this place, every bit of money I spent was local.”

Buying local makes sense. By supporting our local economy, we help our neighbors and our neighborhood be successful. Downtown Tucker offers products and services for people and pets, ranging from lumber and antiques to haircuts and art. The next time you head out to shop, consider the local options we have in downtown Tucker.