How Supporting Small Businesses and Shopping Local Makes a Difference

As our economy is increasingly dominated by large corporations, cheaply made products, and companies with questionable integrity, it’s more important than ever to consider the impact of our purchasing choices. When you choose to support small businesses, you’re not just making a purchase but investing in local communities and prioritizing innovation, diversity, sustainability, and human connection.

As a small business ourselves, we see the impact customers like you can have firsthand. Here’s what it means to shop local and shop small and why it’s important:

What Does it Mean to Be a Small Business?

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our cities and our neighborhoods. These independently owned gems typically have anywhere from 1 to about 500 employees. They come in many forms—from charming corner cafés and family-run farms to cozy boutiques and innovative makers.

What makes small businesses different?

Their distinguishing features often include a deep-rooted connection to the community and dedication to quality. Many small businesses prioritize using local resources and sourcing ingredients and materials from smaller suppliers. This practice not only reduces carbon footprints but also supports fellow entrepreneurs. This dedication to ethical practices and sustainable choices embodies a sincere desire to positively impact the world around them.

When you engage with a smaller brand, whether in-person or online, you’re likely connecting with someone who deeply cares about their work. This personal touch translates to your needs being better understood and met.

Does Shopping with Small Businesses Really Make a Difference?

There are many perks to shopping with small or family-owned businesses but they’re different from what you might see from a larger company. For example, lightning-speed shipping may not be offered. However, the product you’re receiving was undoubtedly made with care, is of high quality, and makes a positive impact. Learn how shopping with Humble Brands makes a difference.

Running a small business comes with unique challenges that change the shopping experience. As consumers, we simply need to adjust our expectations and shopping habits to support the small brands and makers of products we believe in.

Let’s go over the pros and cons of shopping with small businesses:

Pros

• Economic Boost: Your money stays local, creating jobs and contributing to the community’s prosperity. Small businesses pay local taxes and invest in their surroundings.
• Unique Products: Discover one-of-a-kind, handmade treasures that tell a story, making each purchase meaningful.
• Environmental Impact: Small businesses often prioritize sustainability, using thoughtfully sourced ingredients and materials, resulting in lower waste and pollution compared to large corporations.
• Community Connection: Many businesses actively give back a portion of their profits through community initiatives and charitable contributions.

Cons

Pricing: Small businesses may have higher prices due to limited economies of scale (i.e. smaller production = higher costs). However, this often reflects superior quality and ethical sourcing.

Limited Hours and Stock: These businesses might not match the convenience of large retailers in terms of hours and inventory, but this often leads to a more personalized experience. Anyone else overwhelmed by too many options?

Inconsistent Availability: Specialty items may sell out quickly, unlike big retailers. However, scarcity makes your find that much more exciting and unique.

The Ripple Effect of Supporting Small Businesses

When you support small businesses, you ignite a chain reaction that enriches the entire community. Every dollar spent can be reinvested in local suppliers, services, and community initiatives, fostering a cycle of prosperity and connection. Small business owners are more likely to participate in and sponsor local events, support charitable causes, and contribute to their area's overall well-being.

Moreover, small brands often prioritize sustainable practices, using local and natural resources, which helps to minimize our environmental impact. This emphasis on sustainability fosters a culture of responsible consumerism, encouraging others to make eco-friendly choices.

Your commitment to shopping small also helps preserve the unique character of a local business, maintaining the charm and individuality that large chains often lack. It allows for a more vibrant, diverse, and resilient economy, where unique talents and products can flourish.

Read our Humble story and meet our team.

Holiday Shopping Tips for Supporting Small Businesses

The holiday season presents an opportunity to infuse your gift-giving with meaning by supporting small businesses. Here are some tips to make your holiday shopping both joyous and impactful:

• Shop Early: Beat the holiday rush and explore small and local shops ahead of time. Small businesses often have unique, limited stock, so early shopping ensures you can snag the perfect gifts.
• Visit Local Markets: Dive into the festive spirit by visiting local craft fairs and farmers' markets. You'll find handcrafted treasures and artisanal goods that add a personal touch to your presents.
• Shop Local Retailers: Instead of heading to big box stores, head down to your favorite family-owned shops. Many carry small brands.
• Explore Online Options: This is, perhaps, the easiest way to shop small this holiday season. Sign up for email lists early to make sure you hear about seasonal offers and limited-time inventory drops. Many online retailers offer special discounts on “Small Business Saturday” which is the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
• Purchase Gift Cards: Gift cards from small and local businesses make thoughtful presents and provide recipients the joy of discovering something special on their own.
• Spread the Love: Share your positive experiences with friends and family. Posting about your favorite small businesses on social media can inspire others to shop local, amplifying your impact.
• Personalize Your Gifts: Many small businesses offer customization options, allowing you to create truly one-of-a-kind presents that hold special meaning for your loved ones.

By embracing these simple yet powerful practices, you can turn your holiday shopping into a celebration of community, sustainability, and heartfelt giving.

Popular Gifts to Buy from Small and Local Businesses Instead of Large Corporations

This holiday season, swap out common gifts from large corporations for delightful local or family-owned alternatives that carry a special touch:

Handmade Products: Seek out local artisans who craft beautiful, unique items by hand.

Artisan Chocolates: Indulge loved ones with gourmet chocolates crafted by local chocolatiers, offering flavors you won’t find in generic brands.

Locally Roasted Coffee: Opt for coffee from local roasters, who provide fresh, sustainably sourced blends with rich, distinct flavors.

Handcrafted Jewelry: Find one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces created by local artisans, each telling its own story.

Small Batch Personal Care Products: Support makers of small batch deodorant, soap, lip balm, and more, like Humble Brands. These bathroom staples we all use on the regular make great stocking stuffers. Shop Humble Brands gift sets and bundles.

Not only will these thoughtful choices delight gift recipients and introduce them to small brands doing great things, but they also uplift the makers and businesses that pour their souls into their work. What could be more festive and heartwarming than that?

SHOP SMALL, SHOP HUMBLE