How to Build a Habit of Shopping Local: The 4-Week Laurens County Challenge

Shop Local Series, Part 9

By Brenda Stewart, Publisher Laurens County Buzz

At the Laurens County Buzz, we’ve spent the past several months spotlighting the power of shopping local—and the people and places that make this county a great place to live, work, and grow. As we continue our mission to help Laurens County thrive, this ninth installment in our “Support Local” series invites you to go one step further: commit to a monthlong challenge that turns intention into action.

If you’re serious about seeing local businesses succeed, it’s time to move beyond good intentions and build sustainable habits that make support a part of your daily life. This simple four-week plan gives you a roadmap to do just that—with ideas tailored to our community.

Why a Strategy Matters
Small businesses are the backbone of both Laurens County and the nation. They bring life to our downtowns, provide jobs for our neighbors, sponsor youth sports, and donate to local causes—but their impact doesn’t stop at the county line.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 99.9% of all businesses in the United States are small businesses. These enterprises employ nearly 61.7 million people—about 46.4% of the private-sector workforce—and contribute roughly 44% of the nation’s GDP. Their impact is both local and national, making them essential to the health of our economy.

Here in Laurens County, we feel that impact every day. When we choose local over corporate—whether it’s buying a cup of coffee, attending a community event, or recommending a local service—we invest in the stability, character, and future of our community.

But small businesses can’t survive on good intentions alone. They need a consistent culture of support. That’s where strategy comes in.

Supporting local isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessary commitment. This four-week challenge offers a practical path forward, turning daily choices into long-term impact.

Let’s turn support into a habit—and help Laurens County thrive.

Week 1: Eat Local
Action Goal: Replace one or more chain restaurant meals with meals from a local restaurant or café.

How to do it in Laurens County:

• Grab coffee and breakfast from a locally owned shop like the Vestibule Coffee & Tea, Steamers, Whitefords (Clinton or Laurens), Great Crepes & more.
• Choose a lunch spot like House of Pizza, Dempsey’s, Senor Garcia’s, Moutrie Southern Cuisine, Wilsons Curb Market, Whitefords (Clinton or Laurens).
• Have dinner at Roma, Arnolds, Moultrie Southern Cuisine, Japan Restaurant, Steamers among others..
• Share a photo or story from your meal and tag the business on social media.

Why it matters: Food service businesses rely on regular local traffic. Dining out close to home helps them grow—and helps you discover new favorites.

Week 2: Shop Local
Action Goal: Make at least one purchase this week from a local shop, market, or vendor.

Ideas for where to go:

• Pick up a gift, flowers, candle, home item or clothing from Tapestry, Southern Twist & Trade, Sunshine City, Sunny Meadow Boutique, New South Candles & Gifts, Hoyt Hanvey Jewelers, Thomason Jewelers, among others.
• Visit the LushAcres Market for fresh locally grown produce and more, Shop at Sanitary Market for locally sourced and organic foods (shelf items, produce, dairy and meat, and fresh baked goods), or shop the Laurens Farmers Market on Saturday for fresh produce, baked goods, and more from a variety of vendors.
• Look for seasonal events like Finally Friday in Laurens or Third Thursday in Clinton to attend and support local businesses while enjoying entertainment.
• Buy pet supplies, hardware, or hobby items from independent local stores.

Why it matters: Dollars spent locally recirculate within the community. Even small purchases help sustain jobs and services close to home.

Week 3: Share Local
Action Goal: Use your voice and your platform to lift up local businesses.

What you can do:

• Write and post a review of your favorite restaurant, salon, or boutique on Google or Facebook.
• Follow five local businesses on Instagram or Facebook—and share one of their posts to your own page.
• Use hashtags like #ShopLaurensCounty or #SupportLocalSC to help their content reach more people.
• Tag friends when you share a local event or product.

Why it matters: Online exposure leads to foot traffic and sales. Your recommendation might be the reason someone new walks through their doors.

Week 4: Serve Local
Action Goal: Give your time, talents, or encouragement to support the broader business community.

Ideas to consider:

• Volunteer with organizations like Main Street Laurens, Main Street Clinton, Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, Keep Laurens County Beautiful, Laurens County Museum, or Clinton Canopy.
• Attend a ribbon cutting or networking event to meet business owners.
• If you’re an experienced professional, offer mentorship or advice to a local entrepreneur.
• Organize a “Lunch and Learn” at your workplace featuring local business owners.

Why it matters: Behind every storefront is a person working hard to make their dream a reality. Showing up—whether to help, celebrate, or connect—builds momentum and morale.

The Challenge at a Glance
This isn’t just a feel-good campaign—it’s a long-term investment in the community we all call home. When local businesses succeed, we all benefit: more jobs, stronger schools, and a more vibrant Laurens County.

So let’s make this more than a moment. Let’s make it a movement.

For more articles in the “Support Local” series or to receive practical ideas like this straight to your inbox, subscribe to The Buzz newsletter here.

Want help sharing your business’s story? Reach out to me directly at [email protected] or call Brenda Stewart at 864-449-7700.

Let’s create a buzz—and a better future—for Laurens County.