Shop Local!
- Dec 3, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 2, 2021
"Let the control move from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs,"
As the sun sets on 2020 it will not be forgotten anytime soon: Covid-19 leaving a lasting impression on our daily life, the way we will behave in the society, things we took for granted. This new way of life, the 'new normal' as we all now call it, has impacted small businesses around the world, constantly testing their ways to adapt in these challenging times, somehow keeping their passion alive to survive another day - some have survived, few have thrived, many unfortunately have died...
With the festive season just around the corner, most of the big names and chains have capitalised social media platforms taking advantage of increasing demand for online purchases. There is no denying our inboxes are cluttered with every large retailer offering some attractive deals with enticing discounts. While we cannot argue that in the current global pandemic - online shopping can offer ease, convenience and peace of mind, it is important to remind ourselves why supporting and contributing to small local businesses operating directly in your area / community is crucial. So as we head into the holiday season maybe it is worth spending your festive spirit in some or the other way supporting small local businesses in your area, city, region.
Top 5 reasons - why you should SHOP LOCAL!
1. Helps your local community to grow - Local businesses are run by people within the community, so there is a keen interest to develop and invest in the future of the local community. They are not there for the short or medium term but are striving on being a permanent fixture on the 'high street'.
2. Boosts jobs in the community - When you shop local, you create job stability for the local working talent. It creates opportunities for hiring. Covid-19 has brought challenging times for many of the small businesses. By shopping local, you are directly helping that business survive. So next time you debate between one option at a local shop versus one that may be slightly cheaper at a some big multinational store, weigh up all the benefits including community contribution - not just the price....
3. More environmentally friendly and unique products - Locally owned businesses source more locally that means less travelling of goods especially food products from further away locations. When we shop and eat locally, we are often getting a more natural, healthier and tastier version of the same product found at a chain store. Also, local artisans add unique twists on traditional items, or come up with some entirely unique ideas that create products that give your city, area, neighbourhood a distinct identity.
4. More personalised service - Small local businesses usually hire local people who often have a better understanding of their products and can offer a more personalised service. Small business owners are passionate about keeping their products and services exclusive to their community. Many small businesses also tend to offer a warmer, family-like atmosphere compared to larger chains.
5. You can show your support in more than one way - When it comes to supporting a local business
you can do a lot of good even if you don’t want to shop there for whatever reason. You can follow them on social media and make sure you share their products or comment on their online profiles so that you can network and help them get a wider reach of people who will be interested in shopping there.
In a world where multinational retail chains are everywhere, it often becomes difficult to remember why it’s important to support businesses operating directly in our area, community, neighbourhood, city. There is great sense of fun, pride and practicality in shopping local. From personalised customer service to hiring the local talent to restoring the fabric of our communities while helping the economy grow.
We live in a community full of hidden gems that need our support now more than ever. So let's help grow the community by shopping local and giving the hard-working small business owners an opportunity to survive and thrive beyond the pandemic. So if you still haven't finished your shopping list for the festive season, why not take a break from the chaos of big stores and retailers...
Here are two of my favourite locally sourced products, which make up for a great gift this festive season.
First For Earth is a eco-friendly brand that supplies a range of affordable, creative bamboo fibre eating and beverage solutions for both kids and adults. They provide a eco-conscious, fresh and sustainable alternative for those exploring a green lifestyle.
Wriggly Tin Naturals is a unique brand of artisan farm-to-skin soaps and body care products, inspired by a farm situated in the diverse Magaliesburg valley, nestled on the edge of the Cradle of Humankind.
Small businesses are the backbone of any economy - the 'grassroots', sourcing locally, employing locally, investing back into the community locally and in turn they lift the local, state and national economy.
Let me know your go-to local shop, what do you like the most about it and how are you supporting them...
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