5 Reasons Why You Should Always Shop Small
Small businesses continue to be the bread and butter of our economy. Although local small businesses are considered the underdogs next to big box stores, global banks and large supply chains, the pros of supporting locally run businesses pack quite a punch.
The impact of Covid-19 has left an unimaginable mark on the global community—and small businesses are no exception.
On average, from 2011 to 2015, the contribution of small businesses to Canadian GDP was 40.8 %. That’s huge!
However, the Canadian economy changed dramatically in March 2020 as a result of COVID-19 and the situation has had a profound negative impact on Canadian businesses. 60% of small businesses reported revenue declines of more than 20% and, unfortunately many business have had to layoff staff or even close. We were thankful for every one of our clients who supported us through the horrible shut downs due to Covid-19 because we truly would not have made it through lock downs with the teeny tiny supports the government provided.
Which brings us to Small Business Saturday, a nationally recognized holiday held the Saturday after Black Friday. It has now become a tradition – encouraging holiday shoppers to support local brick-and-mortar businesses rather than big box brands or online-only stores.
Let us help you break down why it’s a great idea to support your local small businesses.
1. Small businesses support your economy
By making a commitment to shop local or support small businesses, you cycle money back into our community. If you’re like most Canadians, you shop at big box stores. You may even feel like it’s an obligation to shop at these places because they have the best deals and you can find whatever you’re looking for. However, there are many reasons why buying local is better for our community and for your wallet.
When you support our local businesses your money recirculates in our community, creating a multiplier effect. Dollars spent locally, can in turn be re-spent locally, raising the overall level of economic activity, paying more salaries, and building the local tax base. It’s estimated that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains local.
2. Small businesses provide better customer service
Us small business owners strive to survive and one of the biggest advantages we have over large retailers is the ability to provide more personable, hands-on, and memorable customer service. When shopping at local businesses you’re seen as an individual, a friend not a consumer statistic. The relationship built between customers and small business owners often spans years and, as a result, the service is often better.
3. Increased Consumer Choice
Us local businesses have a smaller customer base, we have the advantage of tailoring our product and sales strategies for each of you, our community. This helps increase the diversity of local products and services to better meet the demands of the community. Additionally, products from local artisans or producers allow you to share the culture of your community with friends and family around the world. — Here at Sweet Beauty Esthetics we pride ourselves in carrying Canadian / Locally sourced items for resale & for our back bar supplies (wax/waxing supplies, teeth whitening products, lash lift products, etc.)
4.Increases the Value of our Communities
We can’t imagine a world without our local businesses - they help keep our communities alive.
Communities, such as ours, served by successful small businesses often see home values increase. This growth helps attract new investment and, over time, helps create increases in local tax revenue. Increased local tax revenue helps us invest in infrastructure and amenities.
The benefits of a thriving small businesses are not limited to economic benefits. Equally important is that independent businesses define the community’s self-image and creates a sense of pride for the people who live here. Simply put, us small businesses shape the identities of our communities. The places where we eat, shop, and have fun all have the potential to make our community feel like home.
5.You’re going to feel good
Would you rather feel the pang of guilt buying so-so coffee from Starbucks or skin damaging aftercare from your local Shoppers Drug Mart, or be entirely satisfied with your latte made with love from local coffee shops such as The Grove Cafe, and a quality service with locally sourced aftercare options from Sweet Beauty Esthetics?
How do you get more involved in the small business movement?
Shop small, of course! And not just on Small Business Saturday, but every day that you can. Need milk, eggs, bread, or beer? Go to your local corner store instead – Say “hey” and get to know the owner who’s paying taxes to keep your neighborhood in tip-top shape.
Get vocal on social – Post pictures, tweets, and status updates of either the small business you own, or of yourself shopping or receiving services at one, and be sure to use the hashtags #ShopSmall #ShopLocalKW. Be sure to comment, like, save and share all of their posts. Also writing positive Google reviews for the small businesses you love and support is a great way to let others you don’t have a personal connection with know why they should support this specific businesses
Tell your friends and family — You don't have to spend money to support us local small businesses! Referring your friends, family, coworkers, etc is a great way to continue supporting your local community.
Share this blog — Teach your community about why supporting local is better for everyone! (Share a photo of you supporting your favourite local shops this week on your instagram and tag @sweetbeautyesthetics in each one, each story share = 1 entry **winner will be announced on Sunday night!)
