For Consumers, Commitment to Community Far Eclipses Price as a Driver for Shopping Small

Report by Vistaprint Reveals that More than a Quarter of Consumers Plan to Shop More at Small Businesses in 2018

More than three-quarters of U.S. consumers say that shopping at or using a small business is important to them, with the impact these businesses have on the local community as the number one reason. This is according to a recent survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers conducted by Vistaprint, the leading online provider of professional marketing products and services to micro business owners, results of which were announced today in The Consumer Small Business Shopping Report. The report reveals what consumers across the country deeply value about shopping small – in fact, more than double the number of respondents cited local commitment over price as their top motivation.

"Small businesses represent the backbone of our economy, and the value these businesses provide – personal service, unique products, strengthening the fabric of local communities – drive consumers in increasing numbers to support them," said Vistaprint CEO, Trynka Shineman. "The Consumer Small Business Shopping Report shows the tangible results of this with 25% more consumers planning to shop or work with a small business in 2018 versus 2017."

The survey of consumers was conducted in August 2017. Other notable findings include:

• Nearly 70 percent will shop at a small business more if they are on a first name basis with the owner, further proving that customers value personal service.
• Commitment to the local community (52 percent) and personal service (42 percent) rated as the top drivers for shopping at or working with a small business.
• More than 75 percent of consumers overall plan to shop small for the holidays. Interestingly, that number was higher in the Northeast, with 85 percent of consumers planning to shop small.

This report comes on the heels of the National Federation of Independent Business' most recent Small Business Optimism Index, which showed increasing consumer demand as a key reason for small business owners' growing confidence.

"As a small business owner, getting to know my customers and being part of the fabric of the neighborhood is a high priority," said Amelia Childs, owner of crepe and smoothie café, CrepeBerry in Wellesley, Mass. "One of my main goals is to make my space as warm, fun and inviting as possible. Personal touches, attention to quality and an understanding of the community's preferences equals success. And I will definitely be putting more of an effort into remembering the names of all of my customers!"

For the full Small Business Consumer Shopping Report, visit http://news.vistaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Vistaprint-Consumer-Survey.pdf.

About Vistaprint
Vistaprint is a global e-commerce brand empowering more than 17 million micro business owners to professionally promote their business with quality printed and digital marketing products at an affordable price. Our world-class online design studio allows customers to easily customize their products including business cards, marketing materials, signage, promotional products, apparel, websites, digital marketing, cards and stationery at www.vistaprint.com. Our patented printing technique allows us to maximize efficiency and consistently deliver quality and value to customers. This innovative process is supported by 22 localized websites serving various global markets; world-class manufacturing facilities around the globe, including North America, Western Europe, Australia and India; and thousands of employees in offices worldwide. Vistaprint is a Cimpress CMPR brand.

Vistaprint and the Vistaprint logo are trademarks of Cimpress N.V. or its subsidiaries. All other brand and product names appearing on this announcement may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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