SMALL & LOCAL

I never got into or appreciated small business shopping, and the local experience till I moved to Bucks County, where more than half of eateries and shops and business are small businesses, and some of the towns even have ordnances so big box and chains can't move it!!! I was in love instantly and haven't looked back since. I strongly believe, while yes, they do tend to be more expensive for certain things, their goods are well made and often nice quality, you get a sense of your money doing better and returning it and keeping it in your community, not a greedy chain or big corp, there is a nice sense of community, and you are more genuinely thanked for your patronage, and get far better customer service. Since the pandemic, the years have taken a toll, with most small businesses needing to re-work and evolve to try to survive. The holiday season is often a make or break for many small shops and such, but there are many ways to help and just why more should care.  What better time to start shopping local to try the little bookshop, the floral shop, the farmers stand, the little local ACE Hardware, the cute boutiques and family-owned eateries. I mean, we all KNOW how and what I think of Amazon!!!!

First micro and small businesses have a large and positive impact on their local area. Dollars spent at small places tend to remain within the local community. When you shop locally, those dollars stay in the community and support other local development. Additionally, small places support community, and create more jobs than larger corporation. It may seem unlikely, but according to Small Business Association, since 1990, small businesses have created over 8 million jobs while big box and businesses have eliminated 4 million jobs...including Amazon among others. Even though only 21.5% of small businesses are employers, they provide jobs to almost half the workforce

Small businesses are more likely to give back and support charities. They are also often more generous as well. Infact, small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to nonprofits and community causes. Small businesses support sustainability. The size of smalls allows for flexibility that makes them leaders in sustainability and gives them the means to source locally and ethically. The shorter journey from maker to buyer often allow for greater transparency in ingredients and materials and often fresher produced and baked goods.

Now that I've talked about the why, it's how you can help. The obvious first step is to choose to support small businesses with our purchases all across the boards, especially during this crucial time of year. Shop SMALL eat LOCAL! Take a look around your town and see where you can take your dollars.  Keeping Covid in mind, you can also easily maintain safety protocols and still support your local shops. Many offer far better attention to customers, have contactless pickup, and have private shopping appointments, and have their own websites for added online shopping options.

I'm with about 50% of the millennials and have no problem paying a little more for things if the service is better and the quality of the goods is finer, better made goods, and unique pieces, or better tasting foods and baked goods. Who doesn't like the feel and experience of shopping little charming towns and cities? Now I'm not saying every purchase needs to be bought at small business, but why not share the wealth?  I also will never understand why people have also got to have things yesterday...a perk I hear to Amazon.  I will still pass. If we don't soon get better with supporting these fine folk, we're soon to see the charm gone ... replaced with ghost towns and boring cookie cutter box stores filled with disposable goods, and employees who stand like robots, ready to serve the mass consumers. We are truly in a state of use them or lose them. Our choices do have power and it's up to us how important our community is and how precious small shopping can be, across the nation.

Ok... climbing off my soapbox now.