Reason #1 - It's All Cyclical

Small businesses pay taxes directly back into your town, city, or neighborhood. They help fund public education, parks, firefighters, roads & sidewalks. 

According to Civic Economics, “on average, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14% of purchases at chain stores.”

Additionally, I never purchase any materials from Amazon. Oftentimes small business buy their materials from other small businesses, creating a self-sustaining loop.

Reason #2 - Economic Impact

"More than half of the U.S.’s jobs since 1995 were created by small businesses. And according to the SBA, since 1990, big businesses eliminated 4 million jobs, while small businesses added 8 million jobs. The more you shop at a local store, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide."* 

Reason #3 - Community Preservation

"The American Independent Business Alliance has another great reason to shop locally: “The disappearance of local businesses leaves a social and economic void that is palpable and real — even when it goes unmeasured,” AIBA says. “A community’s quality of life changes in ways that macroeconomics is slow to measure, or ignores completely.”"*

Small businesses often provide better customer service & there is something undeniably special about supporting your neighbor or friend. The feeling of familiarity & belonging that can come with shopping small & local is more rewarding, to both parties.

Shop Small & Local this Christmas, and whenever you are able to do so. 

Here are some other ways you can help small businesses everyday:

• Mention your favorite small brands in a story, or make a list for your friends and family to check out on your instagram or facebook.
• Interact with the posts & stories of the small businesses that you follow. Hitting the "save" button really helps!
• If your loved ones are asking you what you would like for the holidays, (or even if they aren't!) make sure you point them in the direction of smaller shops. Send them a link!