CHICAGO — Although national brands and imported foods are of great interest to many U.S. consumers, the idea of purchasing goods and services from the vendor "around the block" has a quaint, nostalgic appeal. Nevertheless, new research from Mintel indicates that "buying local" still has many fans to earn in the U.S.

Only one in six adults (17%) buy local products and services as often as possible, according to Mintel’s exclusive consumer survey on local shopping. These "true locals" are willing to pay a higher price and they’ll even buy local if competitive products are better. However, most American shoppers don’t feel so strongly.

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