Supporting small business shops is a win for you and for your community (not to mention the people receiving your gifts!) Why shop local in 2023/24?
It keeps money in your community. If you’re debating about whether to shop small this holiday season, consider this: When you spend $100 at a local business, $68 of it stays in your community.
You’ll find unique items (especially gifts). Local businesses truly shine when it comes to holiday shopping. You are likely to find cool items that you aren’t going to see in chain stores or online retailers. Plus, when recipients unwrap your gift, you’re helping that small business spread their name throughout the community and maybe even bringing them more customers. Don’t forget to check out local craft fairs if you want to pick up handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts.
It creates a sense of community. The more you shop local, the more you’ll get to know your local merchants — and they’ll get to know you. There’s something nice about walking into a store where people greet you by name (not to mention provide exceptional service). Shopping small really does make you feel like part of the community.
You’ll help keep your neighbours employed. Local businesses employ local people, creating roughly two-thirds of all private sector jobs. Choosing to shop at a neighbourhood store not only keeps local small businesses open, it helps all those workers stay employed.
It lowers your carbon footprint. If you’re lucky enough to be able to walk to local shops, it cuts down on emissions from your car. But even if you have to drive a few miles to get to your favourite local boutique, you’re probably using less petrol. Shopping locally also eliminates the carbon footprint of delivery and packaging materials associated with online shopping.
You’ll keep local businesses thriving. Spending money at small stores keeps them in business. You’re not just supporting a large corporation. You’re helping a real family whose livelihood might depend on your dollars. Small business shops can’t survive without your
You prefer shopping in a store instead of online. When you shop at a small store, you can actually put your hands on the cool items you want — and you might even have a chance to chat with the shop owner. That means you get one-on-one connections with other people in your community. You just can’t build relationships like that when you buy online.
There’s no place like local for the holidays. Local shopping doesn’t always mean spending money at expensive boutiques. Don’t forget to consider restaurants, local yoga studios or spas, and even independent coffee shops for gift cards and stocking stuffers. No matter what you buy, if you shop local, you’re putting your money back into your community. That’s the best gift of all.
