Buying local works for things that are unique and unavailable outside the "local" context. So, the local pizza joint or local dining chain may be successful in getting people to "buy local" but the mom and pop retailer selling Tide detergent or Whirlpool will likely not, since they add no value aside from being a local business.<p>Local businesses must provide something beyond what can be provided by national or regional chains. People will not spend more money simply to subsidize an inefficient business.