What type of programs are some cities instituting to encourage local shopping?

• A. Tax incentives for large retailers
• B. Ban on online shopping
• C. Subsidies for national chains
• D. Reward points and other incentives for shopping at small businesses

Answer: (D)

Cities try to boost local shopping by giving residents a reason to buy at small, local shops. These programs create tangible perks that nudge shoppers to choose nearby businesses, such as reward points or other incentives that can be earned by shopping at participating local stores and redeemed there. The idea is to align everyday spending with the health of the local economy—more customers in local shops means more jobs, stronger storefronts, and a livelier community.

Other approaches, like tax breaks for large retailers, would not specifically encourage people to support local shops and could even undermine them. A ban on online shopping isn’t practical or relevant to promoting local, and subsidies for national chains wouldn’t favor the goal of sustaining local businesses.