Why shop small this holiday season? Or really why shop small anytime? Why shop local? Why does it matter? As a consumer we hold a lot of power. We get to decide how we spend our money and what we choose to buy. We make purchasing decisions all the time that help the economy as well as our local community or friends.
Here are some reasons why we should try to shop small and why shop local.
Why Shop Small?
You are supporting a small business
A small business is just like the name says it is small. My business includes myself and help from my husband. Most of the work I do I am not paying myself (or my husband).
You are supporting a dream
Anyone who owns a small business also owns a dream. I love making art and I dream of being a full time artist. That doesn’t happen if I don’t sell my art or if people don’t buy it. I’m passionate about art and each day I get to make art, sell art or write about it, is a great day. I’m thankful to be able to do this. I look forward to doing this full time and I thank you for being here!
You are buying quality
When you shop small you are shopping from one person or a few people on a team. There is a sense of quality in what you buy because it is not made in a factory, it’s not made by a machine and it is not produced carelessly. It is produced with love, time and care which helps give it quality and makes it a purchase that will last for years to come!
Why Shop Local?
You are supporting your local economy
By shopping local you are supporting your economy. You are paying someone who pays taxes in your area and you are supporting local places that that person is buying from. For example, if you buy soap at your local farmer’s market you are supporting the person who made the soap and in turn you’re are supporting the people who supplied the materials to make the soap. You aren’t supporting a big corporation where people are not paid properly for the work they do.
You are supporting friends, neighbours, family and people in your community
By shopping locally, especially in a small community chances are you know the person or you know of the person through someone you know. It’s nice to support people you know. If you aren’t able to support someone you know, try to share their work with others who you think might be interested.
You are saving on shipping costs and helping the environment
When you shop local, you can pick up the work locally, you can have the work hand delivered or you can purchase directly from the business. This saves on shipping costs for you and helps the environment by reducing the amount of shipping materials and gas/fossil fuel emissions. Win-win!
If you can't shop small or shop local this holiday season. I understand completely. It’s been a hard few years with inflation, the housing market and the pandemic. If you can’t shop small or shop local there are other FREE ways you can show support to your favourite small business or artist.
FREE Ways to Support a Small Business if You’re Unable to Shop Small!
Follow them on social media!
Share their posts on social media to your friends to help them reach more customers
Like and comment on their social media posts - it helps them reach more people because of the algorithm
Join their email list (Join mine below!)
If someone is looking for that business - you can tag their business and give them credit
Refer your friends and family to the small business or share why you love it
You can follow me by clicking on any of the icons!
I have explained the reasons of why shop small or shop local this holiday season. It may not always be possible to shop small or shop local for a variety of reasons based on where you live and your financial situation. When you shop local or shop small it does make a difference. Remember that!
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