Why buy local? 

Many of us are familiar with the phrase “buy local”, but for most of us that is just a phrase. 

Understanding the importance of buying local is what takes it from a phrase, to a way of life. 

Solus is a local South African sportswear brand that is deeply intertwined with a multitude of local businesses. Everything that we do results in work for people here in South Africa. One of the most noticeable things for us over the past 2 years in business has been how capable we are in this country when it comes to quality manufacturing. So why is there still such disparity in our local versus imported goods? There is no straightforward answer to this, but from a consumers mindset, we believe that a big part of it revolves around association and perceived value. 

Overseas brands have for many years been associated with quality and trust, so it is natural that when a clothing brand pops up locally, there would be questions asked on whether their clothing and brand as a whole possesses the same qualities. The answer is yes and more. Apart from our clothing being up to standard on a global quality front, our brand possesses a priceless trait that no overseas brand ever could, and that is loyalty. We are loyal to the people of this country on both an employment and consumer basis. 

Here are our top 5 picks on why it is important to buy local: 

1. You Matter More. Your values and desires are much more influential to your local community business than the large big box stores. This is where the need to exert ones influence with their purchasing choices, or “vote with their wallet” stems. Here at Solus we are focused on the problem areas that athletes face in sports and do our best at listening for their unmet needs. Our 2-in-1 running shorts were a direct reaction to what the market was crying out for: A reasonably priced, high quality pair. Via customer feedback we also realised that our running windbreakers were an unmet consumer need and have since tapped into that. 
2. Local Economic Stimulus. When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community. A local supply chain has many different facets and each of these can represent another local business that would be purchased from. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base.
3. Environmental Impact Is Reduced. Carbon footprints are becoming more and more important as business evolves. Locally owned businesses make more local purchases, requiring less transportation. A local company is also more in tune with its surroundings and how it can help the environment around it by being less wasteful. 
4. The Majority Of New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses. Local businesses are the largest employers nationally. The jobs that these local businesses create result in less of a need for people to commute, meaning less traffic and pollution. 
5. The Opportunity For Collaboration. There is a massive opportunity for people who buy from local businesses to explore the opportunities of collaborating with them. 

We hope that by knowing a few of these things, you are a little more open to purchasing from local brands, don’t miss out on the local quality that is rife in South Africa today!