Small businesses are the heart that drives any given town or city’s local economy. As we all know, countless small business owners suffered very serious financial losses due to this year’s pandemic. Luckily, many of them have tapped into their scrappy and creative sides and found solutions to help themselves stay afloat such as organizing virtual Christmas markets and selling through apps. You have to admire the resilience of people like this and the truth is, we need them.
Supporting small businesses helps keep money circulating within the local economy. This helps entrepreneurs create jobs as well as collaborate with and help other small businesses develop. It’s like a domino effect that can be felt all throughout the community. Think back to the last time you took a stroll down a cute street and how you felt. All of those adorable storefronts with artisanal products and handcrafted foods are all supported by the local economy. This year really stifled these types of business and forced many small shops to shut their doors for good which has been a huge loss for everyone.
We need small businesses. They breathe creativity and ingenuity into their business models and communities. They are the reason craft beer breweries, record shops, and vegan eateries are around. Simply put, they bring color to the world. Without them, we’d be stuck with some pretty dull options. That’s why this year, more than any other year it’s so important to help these small shop owners get back (or stay) on their feet this holiday season. Take a look at some of the easiest yet most impactful ways you can give back while gifting something awesome to everyone on your Christmas list:
Gift certificates to Ubereats or Etsy
Don’t have the time to go into town or maybe you are hunkering down to wait until the pandemic passes? Not to worry, there is no need to leave the house for this option! You can buy gift certificates that work directly with small and independent businesses for yourself or your loved ones. Ubereats is great for the foodie who wants to keep exploring the wide world of food while Etsy showcases many of the world’s amazingly talented artists (seriously, it’s overwhelming how much stuff is there) for the creatively inclined loved ones in your life. These types of gifts are great because they are a little more personal than just sending money while giving the recipient free reign on what they specifically want. Easy peasy.
Ask your loved ones for suggestions
One of the things you can do if you’re not sure where to start looking for a small business is simply asking around. Most people love giving suggestions and will surely have a handful of their favorite local spots. This is also a great way to build a sense of community, especially if you become a repeat customer. You get to know the shop owner and their business, which ultimately makes you feel good about where your money is going. Plus, small businesses are known for having great customer service, so you can rest assured that you are getting high-quality products and attention.
Take a walk around the block
This suggestion is a double-whammy since going outside and getting some fresh air is ALWAYS a good idea. Take a walk around your neighborhood and keep your eyes peeled for any new storefronts that you aren’t familiar with and if you see some, pop in to check them out. This helps you not only get acquainted with your neighborhood but stepping out of the house is great for getting some clarity in general as well as for some brainstorming on what to get your loved ones.
Use social media
Instagram recently just made online shopping even easier with their algorithm. You now have access to stores all over the world selling anything your mind can imagine, making online shopping all the more enticing. There are truly so many talented people around the world that you can support while gifting some truly unique and unforgettable items.
It’s been a tough year for everyone. For many, this year has been financially challenging, which means most of us are being more cautious about where our money goes. When you support a small business, you can rest assured knowing that it is going towards a good and wholesome place. What feels better than gifting a thoughtful present to someone you love and helping a local store out in the process? Treat yourself (seriously, you deserve it) and your loved ones to something nice that will ultimately be supporting another family. You’ll put a smile on more faces than you know- remember that domino effect we were talking about? Let’s end the year off as positively as we can, we could all use it!
If you’re looking to talk to a small, locally-owned customer-centric team for any of your design, branding, copywriting, social media, or web development needs, look no further than WePropagate. We are a one-stop-shop agency that would love to collaborate with you. Drop by and say hello!
Happy shopping everybody!
