Tim Mitchell in Northwest Earth Institute's Choices for Sustainable Living states:

 

"A dollar spent at a locally owned store is usually spent 6 to 15 times before it leaves the community. From $1, you create $5 to $14 in value within that community."

 

That's good news!

 

He also states: 

 

"Spend $1 at a national chain store, and 80% leaves town immediately." 

 

That's bad news.

 

Let's recap. Dollars circulating locally—good. Dollars leaving community—bad.