Mainers should remember that it’s just as easy to order products from a local business as it is to order from a national online merchant, but the impact on the local economy is not the same. Research by the Maine Center for Economic Policy has found that for every $100 spent in a local business, $58 will remain in the community, supporting jobs with local suppliers, business services, repairs and maintenance. Chain stores also employ local people, but they keep only $33 of every $100 in the community. Shopping the online giant Amazon.com ships even more money out of state, because it does not employ local people, pay property taxes or advertise.
Our View: Buy local, start early for Maine pandemic holiday shopping
