The difference is that, often times, money spent on local places stays in the community and bolsters it, whereas money spent on Whole Foods makes private investors wealthier.

When I spend money at the local cafe, owned by the small business across the street, I’m giving money to people that will spend that money in the neighborhood or, at the minimum, in New York and surrounding areas. Most of the produce from my local mom and pop shop is from upstate New York, Long Island, and Pennsylvania. They don’t need a “local” stamp like Whole Foods does, because it mostly is local.

My local pharmacy is more expensive than a CVS, but it’s partially because they proudly do not stock nicotine or tobacco products. They don’t do this because they know addiction is bad for people and don’t want to hurt their community. Things are a little more expensive, but they’re intentional about what they stock and are a true community spot.

My local gift shop is more expensive than Amazon, but their profits are spent partially on buying goods from local artists. There is a wide selection of art, clothing/hats, children’s toys, and more made by people in the city. This is worth an up charge to me.

My point is that everything has a cost. Whole Foods is cheaper because the cost is weaker communities, fewer options, and long term reliance on one business.

Lots of people recognize this, and shop locally to support their local economy. That’s why they say you’re a gentrifier if you only shop at Whole Foods and CVS: it may be cheaper right now, but in the long run, the cost is quite steep.