There are many different reasons people want to support small businesses. Three of my favorite benefits to shopping small are:
- You get better service. Local business owners get to know the needs of their customers and even form friendships.
- Supports your community: Local businesses are owned by people who care about the future of your community. They are invested in the community’s success and are likely to stick around for a long time.
- Keeps the unique aspect of your town: Unique businesses attract local and out-of-town customers looking for a business that offers local flavor.
I Shop Small For a Variety of Items Such As…
Mattresses. The best place to get a bargain on mattresses is at our local mattress store. My family had such a great experience dealing with the store owners buying our first mattress, that we went back and bought another one. I also recommend this store to my friends and neighbors.
Milkshakes with Local Flavor. When my family goes out for American comfort food like hamburgers and milkshakes, there’s one local restaurant on our list. My kids love the unique atmosphere – the whole place is set up like a train station and there is a small model train that runs on a track around the ceiling of the restaurant. They serve the best raspberry milkshakes in the summertime made with local berries. You can’t get a milkshake like this anywhere else!
Organic and Natural Food/Health/Beauty Products. A small health food store owned by a local resident has everything I need when I’m shopping for organic and natural foods, health and beauty items. The store owner is almost always the lady that checks us out and it’s impossible not to form a friendship after a few regular visits. She also doesn’t get upset when my kids rearrange all her stock items and gives me a free magazine with every purchase!
My town would not be the same without small businesses. It’s a small old town where every other business is owned by someone who lives in the town and has likely been around for generations. I want to support these small businesses because the unique aspect they bring to this community is one of the reasons my family enjoys living in this area so much.
You Can Shop Small, Too!
Small Business Saturday is November 24th. Get involved by shopping small and help make a difference in your community. Learn more at ShopSmall.com.
What items do you buy from small businesses? Are you a small business owner? Please feel free to tell us about your business in the comments section.
