Independent We Stand (IWS), a movement that exists to support independent businesses, is hosting its seventh annual contest to help recognize a locally owned small business that has gone above and beyond to deliver great customer service and community support.
According to the Home Sweet Home Study, conducted by IWS and the North American Retail Hardware Association, twice as much money remains in the local community when a consumer shops at a local independent home improvement business than if they spent the same money at a big-box store. The same statistic is true when it comes to pros who shop at independent stores, according to the Home Sweet Home Pros’ Edition study. Plus, the Small Business Administration reports small businesses donate about twice as much per employee to charitable organizations and large businesses.
