Shopping triggers the thought of going to big malls and retailers before thinking about the antique shops in your neighborhood. However, with the hard-hitting inflation and supply chain disruptions, it is time that you shift your focus to the small businesses in your area when you shop. Here are 4 reasons why you should consider small businesses.
Societal and environmental benefits
Every dollar spent on small businesses is precious for them and means the world when you shop with them. These businesses are responsible for the generation of the local jobs and payment of local taxes, which keeps the cycle of money running in the community.
If you shop at your neighborhood store, you are also supporting your neighbors while boosting the economy. When you shop from small businesses, you are also being eco-friendly. That is because these businesses acquire their raw material locally and manufacture them at local factories, hence reducing travel costs and distance. Hence, less shipping and packaging will reduce the carbon footprint.
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Support small businesses when you shop
The Covid-19 pandemic struck small businesses harder than expected. Over 20,000 businesses which had a majority of small ones, closed down between March 2020 to February 2021. This is the added figure on the 600,000 annual closures before the pandemic. Many businesses are still barely staying afloat because of deferred payments, overdue bills. Hence, a little support from you can go a long way.
Experts say that we have to think like a consumer and think if a retailer closing down will make us sad. If the answer is yes, we should try to support them as much as we can. You can do so, by eating and shopping at your local business and expressing your appreciation for their services.
In these difficult times, remember when the places that provided food for you or delivered the hand sanitizer at your door. If they were there for you during a different time, let’s show our gratitude through it.
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Shop for a personalized experience
With the existing supply chain problems and increasing inflation, the big malls will witness low inventory with high prices in the holiday season.
That is easy to understand through the principles of economics. Because the supply is low and the demand is high and the prices will probably not go down. There will be good deals in the market but on the ones that you want.
Hence, the flashing deals that big retailers usually boast during the holiday season will not be as prominent as before. You can expect zero or low inventory on toys, luxury goods, and other electronics.
In this case, the small business shoppers will find better deals at their local businesses. The shops with thrifted, pre-loved or locally produced goods will have a better supply.
Shopping at small businesses also gives other benefits. The shoppers get a more personal experience and do not have to struggle with queues. Many businesses also give discounts, freebies, promotions, etc. Hence, enabling you to save money. Meanwhile, here’s how you can improve your own finances.
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Shop at unique small businesses
Shopping at the superstores will provide you with some variations in different products. If you go to the branded store, you will see similar products. However, with a local business, you can find different products that are special and not easily available at any other shop. Hence, making your holiday season all the merrier.
These can be prints of local artists, handmade jewelry, a record player, or a snazzy gift card for the best coffee place in town. You can find rare gifts by visiting local, small businesses. What more can you ask for?
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