I Pledge to Shop Small, Shop Local.
When holiday shopping this year, I’m choosing to make an important investment in the community.
From brilliantly crafted products to genuine, personal service, my experiences at my favorite small businesses leave me in continual awe. Add some of the most inspiring business owners I’ve encountered (virtually and otherwise), and my decision is firm:
I pledge to exclusively shop small, local businesses through the new year.
And I invite you to join me in this pledge. If you’re with me, join the conversation by spotlighting your faves on social media. Check into your favorite small businesses on Facebook, Tweet about them using hash tag #ShopSmall and upload your favorite small biz products on Instagram.
Have a favorite you’d like to share? Comment below or link them to my Facebook page so I can promote and follow them, too!
Starting tomorrow, I’m kicking of the “Shop Small, Shop Local” initiative by featuring a selection of my all-time favorite businesses in a series of interviews, gift guides and giveaways.
Can you guess who our first feature will be?
Check back tomorrow to find out… and for a stellar giveaway.
Photo credit: The Sartorialist // Graphics: Radiant Republic.
Such a great idea! Last year I bought almost all of my Christmas presents locally, and I’m planning on doing the same this year. I find it to be a much more enjoyable experience then say heading to the craziness of Macy’s! Brooklyn has some amazing shops though, so finding presents is never hard.
That’s terrific, Becca! You’ll have to update us on some of your favorite Brooklyn shops!
I am bias because I do own a small business…but I just love what you are doing! Such a great idea…totally blogging about this post on Wed for more to follow! xoxo!
I’m so honored and really enjoyed your post! Thank you, Amanda!
“I pledge to exclusively shop small, local businesses through the new year.”
But what if those small, local businesses charge more for products you could find at a larger retailer? Doesn’t that mean you’re going to have less income to spend on other purchases?
And how do you ensure the small, local businesses you’re pledging to shop at don’t take the money you spend with them and spend it outside of the local community? Wouldn’t that defeat the whole purpose of you deciding to shop small?
Hi Eric,
Thank you for your comment. You’ve raised some excellent points and I’m going to respond to them individually.
“What if those small, local businesses charge more for products you could find at a larger retailer?”
It depends on the industry and type of business. While mass-production certainly drives retail prices down, products resulting from assembly lines often lack character and quality, which are extremely important to me. Customer service is also tremendously important to me, and I find unparalleled customer service when shopping small. This is usually because the shop owners are also local residents with deep ties to the community.
“How do you ensure the small, local business you’re pledging to shop at don’t take the money… and spend it outside of the local community?”
First, small businesses pay local taxes to their local communities, which is used to fund public services and schools in the community. Second, small businesses create jobs and add unique character to their communities, promoting growth and innovation. Third, and most importantly, a Civic Economics Study (you can find it here) shows that of every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 stays in the local economy, compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain. That’s a huge boost. Small businesses, on average, also donate more to non-profits in our communities and even sponsor local youth teams, promoting the education systems. This is why I believe I’m investing in my community by making this pledge.
One last point. Even large businesses benefit from the growth of small ones. Many large businesses rely on small ones to complete business functions through outsourcing. Also, many small businesses become large ones. And when they become large, they typically stay in their home community, boosting the local economy on a large scale. So really, we all benefit from prospering small businesses.
Thank you again for the thoughtful questions. This is an important conversation to have!
Erika
I think your reply to @Erik is outstanding and worthy of its own post. Thank you for shopping small and local businesses and helping to spread the word.