When residents and businesses in Bergen County choose to shop local, they’re doing more than supporting a neighborhood store — they’re directly investing in the strength, resilience, and fueling the local economy.
Why Buy Local?
1. More Money Stays in Bergen County
National research from the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) shows that 48 cents of every dollar spent at a local business stays in the community, compared to only 14 cents when spent at a national chain.
In a county like Bergen, with over 70,000 small businesses, this has massive potential. Imagine if every household redirected just 10% of their monthly spending to local businesses — that could inject millions of additional dollars into the county’s economy each year, funding local jobs and services.
2. Local Businesses Create Local Jobs
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses provide two-thirds of all new jobs in the U.S. — and Bergen County reflects this trend. From Ridgewood to Hackensack, Englewood to Fort Lee, local businesses are major employers.
Supporting these businesses means:
- More jobs for Bergen residents
- Higher local income circulation
- Lower unemployment in our towns and boroughs
This matters especially for youth, seniors, and those seeking part-time work — groups often employed by neighborhood stores, cafes, and service providers.
3. Tax Dollars Stay Local — And Fund What Matters
Local businesses contribute significantly to municipal and county taxes, which fund Bergen’s public schools, police departments, roads, libraries, and parks.
When you shop locally in Bergen County:
- Sales tax supports local budgets
- Property tax from local businesses helps fund public services
- Business taxes stay in the state and county, rather than going to out-of-state corporate headquarters
4. Bergen’s Unique Character Comes from Local Business
From local diners in Teaneck to boutique shops in Ridgewood, Bergen County’s charm comes from its distinct neighborhoods and diverse, family-owned establishments — not from big-box stores or national chains.
Shopping local helps:
- Preserve community identity
- Attract tourism and foot traffic
- Foster a more connected, caring local culture
5. Local Businesses Support Local Causes
Local businesses in Bergen County give back. Whether it’s sponsoring a Little League team, donating to a town food drive, or participating in charity events, local businesses are 250% more likely to support nonprofits than large corporations (Civic Economics).
They aren’t just businesses — they’re neighbors, parents, mentors, and community leaders.
Bergen County Thrives When We Shop Local
At the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud to support local businesses that drive growth, innovation, and opportunity. By choosing to support a Bergen-based business — whether you’re buying a coffee, hiring a contractor, or attending a local event — you’re helping to:
- Keep money in Bergen
- Create local jobs
- Strengthen public services
- Protect Bergen’s unique character
- Build a stronger, more resilient community
One local purchase at a time — we all make a difference.
