I grew up in a rural town in the midwest where most of our shopping took place at locally-owned stores. Stopping by the grocer was met with a kind ‘hello,” personal attention to needs, and often business was done on a handshake instead of an exchange of cash. Our local businesses sponsored Little League teams and school trips. They were always the first to help a neighbor in need. Small businesses have always been the lifeblood of our communities.
Unfortunately the pandemic has put many small businesses in peril. On average their revenues have dropped 52% this year, which has had a ripple effect on communities across the nation. The impact is far-reaching.
Small businesses have always donated more money to charities than large businesses and provided much more support to local nonprofits. Nearly 70% of every dollar you spend at a small business stays in the community, while only about 40% does if you shop at a large chain.
Nearly 70% of every dollar you spend at a small business stays in the community, while only about 40% does if you shop at a large chain.
They are also more likely to support other small businesses such as banks and other service providers, creating local jobs, and helping our communities grow. Employees at small companies even report being happier with their careers.
Finding new ways to support small businesses has become incredibly important, as trips to the local market have become much less frequent. To make shopping small a little easier, we’ve added small business recommendations to Consciously, our browser extension, so that you can easily find products made by small businesses while you shop online. Now it’s easier than ever to shop small from the safety and comfort of your home.
We may not be able to stop by the local convenience store right now and be greeted by the local shop owner, but we can still show our support. Whether you are picking up takeout, buying gift cards, or using Consciously to shop small online, remember that every dollar you spend is doing more than helping a business survive – it’s supporting an entire community in need.
On behalf of all small businesses, just like us, we are incredibly thankful for your support.
Sources: Mass.gov / smallbusiness.chron.com / Forbes / USChamber / localshops1.com
