How to Shop Small for the Holidays
The kick-off to the holiday shopping season starts earlier and earlier each year… This year, I’ve noticed that many smaller businesses have already begun to post about sales to get you into the mood to shop small!
Well, I’m ALWAYS in the mood to shop small! :)
The holiday season is one of the biggest revenue times for small businesses, service providers and artisans. Make a difference in their year!
Here is a short-list of ways to incorporate purchasing from small businesses into your holiday shopping.
MAKE A VISIT TO A STORE.
Make connections with your local shop owners and staff. These relationships are extremely important to the growth of small businesses! I promise you, this experience will be SO MUCH BETTER than just clicking to shop!
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT IN-STORE…
Inquire if the store you’re wanting to purchase from offers quick pick-up services (order online or over the phone) or even local delivery. Usually there is a minimum order for delivery services.
EXPERIENCE LOCAL MARKETS.
Holiday markets and boutique pop-ups are a fabulous way to hit a variety of brands / styles in one swoop! Most times, you get to meet the maker / business owner, so it’s much more personal. Grab a friend or two and make it a date!
GO TO THE BRAND’S SITE.
Yes, actually venture away from Amazon and check out your favorite products elsewhere! Often times the brand’s site will have MUCH MORE to offer. Instead of “instant” delivery, many will have free shipping available with a minimum order or other fun deals.
PURCHASE GIFT CARDS.
These up-front purchases from small businesses, service providers and artisans show that there’s interest in their products AND help to pay the bills in the meantime! Get creative: think of services that a recipient might not splurge on, such as a luxe salon treatment. Another idea is to stock the recipient up on products that you know that they use, but are costly: shampoo / conditioner, body products, facial care, boutique magazine subscription, etc…
Gift cards are also so dang easy to wrap! The simplest option is a pretty envelope. How easy is that? Gift cards are also good for small business owners because who can ever spend just a set amount? Pretty much everyone goes over the gift card amount, which ensures more $$ for them.
PRACTICE A BIT OF PATIENCE.
Plan ahead. If you’re the holiday gift-giving type, NOW is the time to start planning your shopping! Keep a running list of gift ideas. If you’re shopping in-person, just remember to leave a bit of buffer time for your shopping excursions (if you have engagements post-shopping). Traffic is a very real thing.
I have a *great* online shopping resource too -- the SMALL BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM!
Be thoughtful.
Be mindful.
Be unique!
If you haven’t already, go ahead and sign up for my newsletter for more "shop small" tips and be the first to see my gift-giving guides!
xo
~Rachel
