Shop Small This Holiday Season

In 2020, small businesses have faced financial challenges, causing stress and uncertainty. Besides the rocky economic status and the new lockdown restrictions, many small businesses are forced to find creative solutions, in order to stay afloat.

To accompany the existing stress of this ongoing pandemic, this holiday season brings its only set of concerns for small businesses. They are competing with large corporations that have set high standards for shoppers; such as offering free shipping. It has been noted that for this holiday season,

* Sixty percent of Americans plan on doing a majority of their shopping with local retailers, according to the Visa study

* Also, holiday retail sales are predicted to rise between 1% and 1.5%, adding up to $1.147 trillion and $1.152 trillion during the November-to-January time frame, according to Deloitte.

Before confirming those holiday purchases through large corporations, let’s discuss why shopping small is the way to go!

Memorable Experiences

Small businesses create an authentic experience that most large corporations cannot offer. For example, have you ever brought up in conversation about a mom and pop shop that you use to visit in your adolescent years? A warm feeling tends to arise just by going down that memorable lane! Those experiences are one of a kind. Most small business owners are passionate about their art and value customer service. They can relate to our needs and values, due to their engagement in the community. Creating memorable experiences for their customers is of great importance, as it opens the door to lasting memories and loyal customers.

Who runs the world? Small Businesses!

Since 1990, more than eight million jobs have been created due to small businesses. Large businesses have actually eliminated 4 million, according to the small business association. That means that small businesses provide jobs to over half the workforce!

Let’s help each other out

Also, money invested in a small business is likely to remain within its community. Small businesses tend to locally seek out suppliers or services, which in turn, supports other small businesses in their area. It’s most certainly a win-win situation for both.

Rare Products

Authenticity is gold. Owning or gifting an item that is handmade, unique or one of its kind can make anyone feel special. Small businesses provide products or services that you may not be able to find through large corporations. Sites such as Etsy, Society6, or Redbubble, offer unique products that are perfect for holiday gifts.

Ways to help small businesses

1. Follow your favorite small businesses on all social media platforms.

2. Spread the word! Share their website links and social media posts.

3. In case they are not active on social media or even if they are, reach out to them. Ask if there is anything you can do to help such as providing a free service that happens to be in your expertise.

4. When purchasing from a small business, ask if they would be willing to do drop-offs or if you can arrange a day to be able to pick up your items. Many small businesses are offering options such as these and are taking precautions, by delivering their products to their customers, without contact.

5. Shipping can be a bit pricey, depending on the various factors such weight, width and height of an item. If you have a little extra to spare, help them out. Order online, pay for shipping and try to purchase your items as early as possible, in order to avoid delay or stress.

6. Make this season merrier by donating. Contact your favorite small business and ask how you can donate. Your generosity will go a long way.

7. Practice patience. Due to this pandemic and the holiday season, shipping may be delayed. Please be patient, kind and understanding during this process.

8. Once you received your items, write a heartfelt review. Provide photos, if possible. Good reviews can help a small business thrive!