What "Shop Local" Actually Does for the Lawrence Economy

You've probably seen the phrase "shop local" more times than you can count. It shows up on tote bags, storefront signs, and social media posts. But what does it actually mean for a specific community like Lawrence Township — and why should it matter to you as a business owner?

The answer is more concrete than you might expect.

Lawrence Already Has a Strong Economic Base

Lawrence Township is not a struggling community. With a median household income of $110,215 and a per capita income of $50,237, Lawrence residents have real purchasing power. The township generated $1.1 billion in total retail sales and $77.8 million in accommodation and food service sales in the most recent census data. That's a substantial amount of economic activity happening within a 22-square-mile community of about 33,000 people.

The question isn't whether Lawrence has an economy worth supporting. It clearly does. The question is how much of that spending stays local — and what happens when it doesn't.

Where the Money Goes Matters

When a Lawrence resident buys something from a locally owned business, a meaningful portion of that transaction recirculates within the community. The business owner pays local employees, buys supplies from other local vendors, and pays local taxes that fund schools, roads, and public services. When the same resident makes the same purchase from a national chain or an online retailer, most of that money leaves the local economy immediately.

For a township that hosts major employers like Educational Testing Service and Bristol-Myers Squibb — and that sits within commuting distance of both Philadelphia and New York — there's a real risk that residents spend their paychecks somewhere other than where they live. The Shop Lawrence campaign exists to counteract that drift.

What Shop Lawrence Is Trying to Do

Shop Lawrence is Lawrence Township's initiative to encourage residents to spend close to home. For businesses, participating in the campaign means increased visibility through the Shop Lawrence website and directory, recognition through events and digital media, and association with a community effort that resonates with local residents.

It's not just about feel-good messaging. Programs like this work because they make it easier for residents to find local options — and give those residents a concrete reason to choose them. When more spending happens locally, businesses generate more revenue, which can translate into more jobs, better wages, and potentially even a broader local tax base that benefits everyone.

What This Means for Your Business

If you're a new or growing business in Lawrence, the Shop Lawrence campaign is one of the most direct ways to connect with customers who are already inclined to support you. Getting listed in the directory, displaying the Shop Lawrence branding in your storefront, and participating in related events puts your business in front of the residents most likely to become regulars.

The economic data tells a story of a community with real spending power. The Shop Lawrence campaign is the mechanism for making sure more of that spending finds its way to you.

To get your business listed in the Shop Lawrence directory or to learn more about the campaign, contact the Township's Community Aide at 609-844-7074. You can also browse the Local Lawrence Business Directory.