What does it mean to shop local and why? If it's not about price, then why spend more money at your local store? What value does a local business-or ANY business, for that matter-bring to the table? Many local businesses think they can't compete with big box retailers. I disagree. What is your competitive advantage? What is your value proposition? What can you offer customers that big box stores can't? If you don't have an answer, you have a very big problem.