Originally Posted by canklecat

@veganbikes -- If we extend that argument far enough we'd need to eliminate REI and most chain bicycle stores from being "local bike shops". So only my actual nearest bike shop, only a mile away, qualifies.

And if local means locally sourced, we'd eliminate every bike shop that doesn't sell bikes or accessories made in the US.

Since Light & Motion lights are at least designed and assembled in the US, that requalifies REI and disqualifies my actual local bike shop. Because REI carries the L&M but my LBS doesn't.

Detroit Bikes are made in the US -- from imported steel. (I may have inspected one of the last American steel manufacturers 20something years ago when I was a gummint safety inspector). Local enough? But there isn't a authorized retailer in my city to take delivery and assemble the bike, at least to qualify for the refunded shipping cost. But I can buy a Chinese made Trek or Electra from the nearest LBS. At least those bike companies began in the US.

The global economy makes it unrealistic to classify employers so easily as local or non-local, whether for the purposes of sustaining a local economy or supporting local employers and employees.