Shop Local: How You Can Support Local and Small Businesses Right Now

By rachel • October 4, 2020

These uncertain times have impacted hundreds – if not thousands – of local and small businesses within our communities. People are staying home, they aren’t spending their dollars in local businesses, and state or federal regulations are forcing doors to stay closed. Small businesses are feeling the impact, but there’s something you can do to help them.

Why You Should Support Local and Small Businesses

It’s going to be more important than ever to support local and small businesses. They’re a vital part of the economic and social fabric of your communities. By helping them survive these times, you are not only preserving the unique traits of your community, but driving the local economy. (After all, the people who own these businesses may be your friends and neighbors). 

 

Take a look at some of the other benefits of shopping local: 

  • You are aiding local development by keeping your dollars in the community
  • You are driving up the appeal of the shopping area 
  • You are attracting tourism dollars into the community
  • You are finding unique products and services 
  • You are providing people jobs in the community
  • You are going to experience exceptional customer service

These benefits are just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many reasons why it’s crucial to be shopping local, especially when every dollar counts and benefits your community. So how can you help? 

How You Can Support Local and Small Businesses (While Still Social Distancing)

There are many ways you can support local and small businesses, but here are a few ideas on how to get started:

 

1. Buy Gift Cards or Certificates

You can help your favorite places in the community make it through these times by paying for products and services in advance. Even if the business may not be open today, you can purchase a gift card or certificate to plan ahead for later – providing the business with some money in their pockets to help tide them over during this time of crisis.

 

2. Shop Local

Instead of purchasing your goods and services from Amazon or big-box stores, try to find the same product or service locally. Not only can you help a small business in the community, but you can also reduce the amount of packaging you receive. 

 

3. Get on Top of Those House Projects Right Now

You’ve been spending a lot of time inside and realizing it’s time to renovate your bathroom, or the trees are covering the light coming into your home, or you really want to revamp your garden. Whatever it may be, there are local small businesses in your community who can help – and, often at a significant discount compared to larger companies. 

 

4. Learn to cook (or not)

Many restaurants have been impacted by these times, but check to see if they offer pickup or delivery. That way, you can ensure that you’re helping the local restaurants in your community keep their doors open. Try giving the restaurant a call and ordering directly from them or their website, rather than a third-party app so you and the business can avoid fees.

But, if you want to take this time to perfect your cooking chops. Check out your local artisanal shops. They often carry special products, like meats, wines, and cheeses that you won’t find at the big-box stores in town. 

 

5. Share Your Local Favorites on Social

Help them stay afloat with word of mouth. Post on social about how your followers can support small businesses, like buying gift cards. If you’re a local or small business owner, reach out to other owners in the community to find unique ways to support one another. 

As we adapt to a new reality, the best way we can preserve our local communities is by supporting small businesses and making the conscious decision to shop local. Yes, it may be more convenient at times to purchase goods and services from big-box retailers, but your decision to shop local could make all the difference for small businesses and their employees who count on them for income.