In recent years, our approach to everything from travel to childcare has changed. While things are slowly returning to normal in some respects, one thing is certain: our shopping habits have changed forever.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Small Businesses
From curbside pickup to consumers’ sustainability expectations, commerce has rapidly evolved to adapt to the changing times. This has put pressure on small businesses to keep up.
As the effects of the pandemic began to unfold, communities came together and increased support for small businesses, according to research from Shopify. Among those surveyed who reported shopping locally, 79% said they did so to protect their communities. “People realize that if I don’t shop for independent businesses, they will cease to exist,” says Satish Kanwar, Vice President of Product at Shopify.
The economic stress and ongoing supply chain issues are among the latest concerns for founders. While the need to support small businesses is clear at this time, the benefits of shopping at small businesses extend beyond that. Here, we will outline why shopping at small businesses is good for you, for communities, for future generations, and for the local economy.
5 Compelling Reasons to Support Small Businesses
Big box stores, rising commercial rent prices, difficulties in securing financing, or managing cash flow contribute to the known failure rates of small businesses. Even for those who survive, the impending recession is another cause for concern.
However, small business owners are essential to the economic and social fabric of our community. Here’s why supporting them matters. 1. They have a positive impact on the local economy.
Growing businesses, some of which started in garages or cafes, foster environments that enable other small businesses to thrive in their wake. It inspires entrepreneurship and facilitates more entrepreneurship – think of online coordinators, who promote more small brands and bring their products to new audiences.
When you shop locally, your money stays in the community and helps with local development. This effect is known as the multiplier effect. For example, a restaurant buys ingredients from local producers, employs a local insurance broker, and hires a local design firm, thereby building cooperative relationships that help the entire business community thrive.
2. They support communities and create job opportunities.
Small businesses, especially in retail, are key contributors to the heart of the local community. “Main Street” becomes a hub of activity, where shops, business associations, and local governments work collaboratively to create and maintain the character of their town or neighborhood. This helps enhance a city’s appeal and attract tourist dollars to the community. This effect positively influences hotels, attractions, and nearby tours.
Small businesses also help create local job opportunities. The presence of healthy small businesses in communities aids people in gaining real-world business skills, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
3. They are often sustainable shopping alternatives.
While this is not true in every case, small businesses (like DTC brands) often have a shorter supply chain than larger companies, meaning more transparency regarding the components and materials sourcing the products you purchase. Small businesses are often makers, producing goods locally. Alternatively, they sell products made by small brands.
Small businesses often have the capacity to manufacture and source locally and ethically due to smaller quantities. You may pay more for these goods compared to similar items in chain stores, but you are paying for the peace of mind that comes with ethical production.
4. They put customer experience first.
They have
Big brands have realized that immersive retail is a winning strategy, but it is difficult to scale the personalized shopping experience common in small businesses. Many new business owners launch themselves and take on every role in the company, including customer service. Good people will do their best for every shopper – because every customer matters when you’re small.
Shopping with small businesses is also a discovery point for new or local brands. Where big stores win in size and price, small businesses shine in variety, uniqueness, and personal touch.
5. They serve diverse and specialized customers
“When mainstream media ignores you, you have to become the solution to the problem,” says Yilitsa Jean-Charles, founder of Rooted Healthy Dolls. “We have to solve our problems ourselves.” Often, founders who are not represented meet unique needs for their specific communities. Entrepreneurship becomes a means to circumvent systems that often come with discrimination or bias, allowing them to build products or offer services on their own terms.
Supporting small businesses is a way to help underrepresented founders thrive and build strength in their communities, paving the way for future generations.
How to Support Small Businesses
Now that you know why it’s important to support small businesses, here’s how to do it. There are many ways to turn your money towards small brands, from switching to an independent grocery store for your weekly food spending to sharing some love on social media.
1. Actively discover new brands
Take a look around while walking through your neighborhood. Is there a small lifestyle store you haven’t noticed before? Is there an independent bookstore you’ve never visited? Check with neighbors and review sites to discover local places that could become your new small business favorites.
You can also download the Shop app. It not only tracks all your orders from various online stores in one place, but it’s also a great way to discover local and curated businesses and get notified when your favorite brands have new products in stock.
2. Buy gift cards
During the pandemic, many businesses pushed gift cards, asking customers to support them until they opened their doors. You can still buy gift cards for yourself for later use. It’s a way to support businesses now, even if you don’t need anything.
Gift cards are also a great way to introduce people on your gift list to your favorite small businesses, giving them valuable organic word-of-mouth recommendations and a potential new customer.
3. Share your favorite stores on social media
Small businesses today face increasing competition, rising customer acquisition costs, and reduced advertising returns. Budget-conscious brands rely on their loyal customers to help spread the word through personal and social referrals.
While others in your circles may be looking for ideas, it’s helpful to share an exciting story about a positive experience, post a video of an unboxing, or leave positive reviews for products you’ve purchased from small businesses.
4. Buy gifts from small businesses
Big retailers have made shopping easy, with incentives like next-day free shipping from Amazon. But if you have more time to wait, you can find unique, handmade, or sustainable alternatives from small businesses. Give a special gift twice – it means a lot to independent brands.
5. Rethink your budget
Buying from an independent clothing brand over a fast fashion brand or big-store often means spending more money. That’s because it costs more to produce high-quality clothing ethically. But think about your budget in the long run: being smarter in budgeting for clothing may mean buying fewer pieces that last longer – and supporting small businesses in the process. This can apply to other types of products like home goods and furniture.
Guide
Shopping: More than 100 Products to Buy from Small Businesses
Gifts for your best friend, gifts for your stepmom, a little something for yourself. Whoever you’re buying for and whatever the occasion, there’s an independent brand offering the perfect product. Here are some brands to discover – everything from backyard swings to DIY STEM kits.
Food & Drink
While many restaurants closed during the pandemic and everyone tried the latest cooking trends on TikTok, home cooking had its moment. From sourdough to jam, the past few years have sparked a newfound passion for food. Keep that high energy going and resist the temptation of takeout by upgrading your kitchen with goods from these small businesses.
Handcrafted wooden kitchen tools from Old World Kitchen (Bonus: Read their story) High-end cookware from Saflon Baking tools like citrus zesters and measuring bowls from Pot & Pantry Stylish cleaning tools from Goods A trip to Italy in your own kitchen with virtual cooking lessons from Nonna Live (Bonus: Read Nonna’s story) Cocktail kits from Bar from Afar Vegan ramen book from Wil Yeung
Arts & Crafts Supplies
Like food, people’s interest in crafting has surged with new hobbies emerging to cope with the effects of isolation. Hone your crafting skills with these easy-to-follow kits and supplies suitable for beginners and advanced crafters alike. You may be ready to start your own small business.
Sewing patterns for your own clothing from Friday Pattern Company Simple wooden embroidery kits for little hands from Stitched Modern High-quality art supplies and brushes from Martha Mae Yarn and knitting supplies from The Knitting Tree, LA Architectural model-building kits for kids and adults alike from Arckit Indoor gardening technology from SmallGarden
Fitness Apparel & Equipment
If you’ve replaced your local gym membership with a home setup, you’re not alone. The at-home fitness craze took off at the beginning of the pandemic. When you’re looking to upgrade your home gym or replace worn-out shoes, check out these independent fitness brands offering unique goods and services for getting fit.
Cork yoga mats from Mukta Being Kettlebells and weight lifting equipment from Fringe Sport Exercise bikes and home gyms from G&G Fitness Sneakers from York Athletics Mfg. (Bonus: Read their story) Activewear from Superfit Hero and Manduka Fitness anytime, anywhere with virtual classes from Bodylove Pilates, P.volve, and Hylo Fitness
Goods That Give Back
Supporting small businesses is already a nice gesture, but you can take it a step further by shopping from sustainable and ethical independent brands or nonprofits. Here are some brands offering great gift ideas too.
Original art from Australia sourced from Aboriginal Australians from ART ARK Luxurious organic cotton bed sheet sets from Alterra Pure Organic nursing pillows from MoonWomb by The Sustainable Baby Co. Plastic-free toothbrush from VirtueBrush (their tree-planting program has planted over 62,000 trees) Ethical shoes and accessories from Nisolo
Remote Work & Home Offices
Working from home? Same here. Now we’ve all joined the reality of many entrepreneurs starting their businesses from the kitchen table. Update your home office design with goods that make your experience more comfortable and professional.
Stands
The unique laptop from MOFT and Masaya & Co. Sustainable wooden desks from From the Source A hot coffee mug from Ember Hanging paper rolls on the wall from George & Willy A window-mounted desk from DeskView Wooden office accessories from Grovemade
Technology and Gadgets
Startups are often the most trustworthy companies, as they work to follow technology trends to quickly bring innovative products to market. Shop for equipment and gadgets that automate tasks, keep your loved ones safe, and teach kids the basics of science and technology – all from independent brands.
GPS tracking watches for kids from Lil Tracker Noise-canceling headphones from Padmate STEM kits for youth from Makey Makey Smart home security cameras from Momentum A vintage alarm clock from Schoolhouse
Children’s Clothing and Toys
Pets are the true winners of the shift to remote work, as humans are nearby for a scratch, treat, or surprise toy. These independent companies sell everything from cakes to toys to custom art inspired by pets.
Ropes, balls, and toys for dogs from Harry Barker Healthy pet food and treats from Farm to Paw Custom pet portraits from Royal Pet Pawtrait or My Pooch Face Comfy dog beds from Big Barker Matching collars and leashes from Wild One
Personalized Gifts
Nothing expresses “I’m thinking of you” more than a truly personal gift. These independent companies help you create one-of-a-kind gifts with loved ones in mind.
Custom neon signs from Neon Mfg or MK Neon DIY gift boxes from Happy Box Book bags based on your preferences from Type Books Custom cocktail napkins for weddings and events from Miss Design Berry
Beauty and Skincare
Skincare and cosmetics markets offer confusing choices – a visit to Sephora can be an overwhelming experience. Take the time to discover small brands that offer unique products designed to match specific skin tones or skin conditions to find a moisturizer or mascara you can rely on in the future.
Skincare products from Then I Met You (?Bonus: Read their story) Custom lipsticks for dark skin tones from MFMG (Makeup for Melanin Girls) Cosmetics for men of color from Ceylon Moisturizing pillow covers that fight dryness and detangle hair from Madison and White Bath and body products from Alaffia
Travel and Staying Home
While travel has begun to increase again, there are many advantages to staying home too. Equip your backyard, engage in city exploration, or start planning your next trip with these products from small businesses.
Backyard hammocks from Grand Trunk Hand-drawn maps for planning your next adventure from Xplorer Maps Glass engravings of custom city maps from Well Told National park notebooks from City Bird Backpacks for local hiking and city exploration – neutral packs from Go Forth Goods or colorful packs from Cotopaxi Bicycles for short neighborhood rides from Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Shack baths from Salt Shack Backyards
Outdoor Gear
We’re not saying you should panic, but being prepared doesn’t hurt anyone. These shops have everything you need to stay in the wild for a while – social distancing at its best.
Tools
Survival gear and equipment from My Patriot Supply and Uncharted Supply Co. Camping axes and firewood cutting tools from Brant & Cochran (?Bonus: read their story) Portable campfires for camping anywhere, anytime from Radiate Portable Campfire Hunting and fishing clothing from Habit Outdoors Gardening tools and accessories from Coco and Seed
Cozy Gifts
For those living in areas where temperatures dip low, staying warm and comfortable is the best way to combat winter blues. These independent brands sell goods to keep you warm, from luxurious robes to indoor plants.
Cozi Throw Blanket from Johanna Howard Home Denim and leather firewood carrier for indoor fires from Mi Cocina Light therapy lamps from Verilux Soft luxury bathrobes from All You Are Sunday Scaries Kit from Pinch Provisions Vibrant cotton and linen bedding from Maison Tess Air-purifying plants from Partly Sunny
Small Shop for Everyone
Regardless of their size, small businesses are defined by their spirit. And at the helm are their bold founders – who work hard, with ambition and resilience. They innovate and build things despite uncertainty, as it is what drives them. Their risks lead to innovations that push the world forward. And we need them. “Communities without businesses are not communities,” says Toby Shannan, CEO of Shopify.
Finding an independent alternative for each of your favorites may take some effort, but it’s worth it. You’ll not only discover unique products, but you will also help boost the local economy and ensure the prosperity of future generations.
The featured illustration by Isabella Vasile
Frequently Asked Questions About Supporting Small Businesses
What does supporting small businesses do?
Supporting small businesses helps bolster the economy, create jobs, and enhance competition. It also fosters community relationships and provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams and drive innovation. Small businesses are often the backbone of local economies and a primary source of employment and income. Supporting small businesses also helps ensure high-quality products and services are available to customers, providing goods and services that meet the needs of local communities.
Is it good to support small businesses?
Yes! Supporting small businesses is a great way to invest in your local community and help create job opportunities. Small businesses are often the backbone of the local economy, so it’s important to help them thrive. Additionally, small businesses often offer unique and personalized services that large corporations cannot provide.
Source: https://www.shopify.com/blog/why-support-small-businesses
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