Shop Like It Matters (Because It Does)

Skip the Prime hype. Your money works harder — and smarter — when you buy local.

It’s hard to imagine a world before Amazon, before the concept of free shipping and the convenience of receiving items on your doorstep within two days — and sometimes sooner. As we approach the annual extravaganza that is Prime Days, a series of special deals for Amazon Prime members, we at Local First Arizona are looking at the flipside.

We’re looking at the cost of shopping on Amazon, at the impact it has on the local economy and local entrepreneurs, and how adjustments to purchasing behavior might be easier than we all think. 

The Cost of Choosing Amazon Over Arizona 

Amazon’s ubiquitous influence on purchasing behavior has instilled in consumers a set of profound habits and expectations that are hard to walk back. We all have our things that we believe are exclusively Amazon purchases. 

But, the cost of shopping on Amazon extends beyond the price tag and the convenience.

According to the Institute for Local Self Reliance, Amazon’s workplaces are more hazardous than those supported by local businesses. In addition, Amazon actively works to avoid paying state and federal taxes, it competes against the small businesses that utilize Amazon as a purchasing platform, and its warehouses are generally positioned in communities with a disproportionately high number of low-income residents or people of color. 

Local businesses are different. For starters, they invest back into their own communities. Not only do local businesses support the local economy, but they also support crucial local services with their tax dollars, create jobs and utilize the services of other local businesses — all of which fosters a healthier and stronger community. 

Buy Now, Local Version

Anyone who has ever logged onto Amazon can understand that the site offers pretty much anything. What initially began as an online bookstore has transformed over the years to offer almost anything under the sun, from champagne bongs to a pillow that looks like a filet of salmon. 

The truth is, people turn to Amazon for items in several categories, the most popular being “home and kitchen.” And in Arizona, there are several local alternatives to purchasing from Amazon.

As an organization that promotes local businesses, knowing the local economy keeps more money in the community when people buy local, we’ve prepared a cheat sheet for anyone looking to give Amazon a break or break up with it permanently. 

Home + Kitchen

UrbAna Shop: Find candles, dishes, cookware and towels (and more!) at this Phoenix-based boutique. And yes, they offer registries.

Desert Refillery: From soaps to laundry powder to toilet bombs, stock up and refill on your home and kitchen suds in an eco-friendly way. ​​

Hive on 16th: Pick up some wool dryer balls (emblazoned with a saguaro cactus, of course), along with shampoo bars, and toothbrush tabs at this sustainability-minded shop.

Beauty + personal care

Strawberry Hedgehog: Find oils, facial mists and toners, detox soaps and zodiac balms at this unique, locally-owned shop.

M Soaps: Explore the clean, cruelty-free products available for men and women, from facial serums to beard butter to bath bombs and beyond.

Ashfork Creek: This female-owned, family-run shop offers locally-made beauty and personal care products, including a cuticle and nail oil pen, shower steamers infused with essential oils, and handcrafted roll-on perfume.

Toys, games and books

​​Changing Hands Bookstore: An institution in the local scene, Changing Hands Bookstore offers author events, an excellent selection of books and other must-have you never knew you needed (like any proper bookstore does).

Berry Cultured: Explore a shop where locally-made plush toys and costumes ignite the imaginations of children and create safe spaces for creative and imaginative play.

Zia Records: A local shop with new and previously loved music, books, games and collectibles, Zia Records has something for pretty much anyone.

Jewelry + Clothing

Ndur Athletics: Browse a variety of athleisure apparel options, from leggings to rompers and dresses and even men’s. And, for orders over $100, snag free shipping.

Buffalo Exchange: Thrifting is very of the moment, and Buffalo Exchange has been a mainstay on the premium thrift scene. Do your part to upcycle previously loved pieces and score something truly one of a kind while getting in a few steps.

Vera Vara: Discover unique and whimsical western jewelry, from earrings to necklaces to bracelets and beyond.

Odds N Ends

Bundle X Joy: Make sure your best friend has a healthy gut, too, by getting your doggos hooked up with Bundle X Joy’s line of healthy dog food and treats.

Sole Sports: If you run, keep your purchases local by visiting Sole Sports for shoes and socks and every other necessary accessory.

Flaming Oats: Discover a new lane for oatmeal with the vegan, protein-rich varieties offered by Flaming Oats. Choose from spicy or mild, or dive into a variety pack.

Discover local Arizona businesses in every category — visit our Local Business Directory!