Rethink Shop Local: Why Size Matters More than Geography
- NBB
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 9 minutes ago
We often hear the phrase "shop local, think global" as a call to support our communities while embracing the wider world. But this idea can be misleading. Local businesses, especially small ones, rely heavily on global supply chains, sometimes even more than large producers. So, what does it really mean to support local? The answer lies in shopping small rather than simply shopping local. As it turns out, size matters.
The Myth of Local Independence
When you think of a local business, you might imagine a shop sourcing everything from nearby farms or artisans. The truth is more complex. Many small businesses depend on products, materials, and services from global suppliers. For example:
There's a local café that might just have a secret tunnel to South America for their coffee beans!
A boutique clothing store that seems to have a direct fashion hotline to Asia for their stylish threads.
And then there's the neighborhood hardware store, which might as well bang up frequent flyer miles for all that comes from China.
This reliance on global supply chains means that shopping local does not always guarantee supporting local economies or reducing environmental impact. The term "local" can be a misnomer if it only refers to the business’s physical location, not the origin of its products.
Why Shopping Small Makes a Bigger Impact
The real power lies in supporting small businesses regardless of their supply chain.
1. Small Businesses Build Community
Small businesses are like the charming gossip hubs of the neighborhood. They:
Hire the locals, so everyone knows everyone's business.
Throw parties, or as they call them, "sponsoring community events."
Team up with other local vendors like they're forming a superhero squad.
This creates a network of support that strengthens the local economy and social fabric.
2. Small Businesses Offer Unique Products
Forget the big box stores; small shops are where the magic happens:
They've got handmade or limited-edition goodies that make you feel like a VIP.
Customer service so personal, you might end up on their holiday card list. Literally.
Local workers mean local hard work and that gives you bonafide hometown pride.
3. Small Businesses Shopping is Still Online Shopping
Not only can most ship anywhere in the world, but often on your timetable. Communication is key here! If want something to arrive in a month rather than a week so you don't have to hide a gift or plant something while there's still snow on the ground. Most little guys can make that happen because they are filling your order, not robots or lizard people.
Many small businesses thrive only based on online shopping becasue thier geographic location makes it too expensive or impractival to have a brick and mortar location. This means that you can have your click n' ship cake and eat it too.
Small businesses are always trying to grow thier customer base, so many offer discounts for signing up for email promotions. No, this isn't unique to small business. Everyone wants your email, phone, birthday and first born child. The difference is that small businesses aren't generally in the business of selling you to the AI driven data centers that keep your electric bill climbing and your inbox constantly being in the 7 digit range.
How to Shop Small Effectively
Backing up small businesses is like giving a high-five to your local economy! It's not just about snagging goodies from the corner shop. Here fairly common sense tips to make your dollar vote for you:
Ask about product origins. If it isn't explicit, ask questions. Because who doesn’t want to know if their cheese is ethically sourced from a farm run by a bunch of hipsters that do goat yoga? You get my point, remember they have limitations, so don't be a dick about it.
Prioritize independent businesses. You know, those quaint little shops that don’t have a drive-thru or a mascot? Let’s avoid the stepford model. I'm not saying that I'm never going to scarf a ChickFilA Sando... but I'd rather have a good beer and a convo with the a stranger at the pub that uses local potatoes for fries and sources bread from the bakery the next town over in the dead of winter.
Support local artisans and producers. Despite the fact that nothing says “I care” like buying a soy, half-caf, dirty chai late that tastes like a unicorn’s tears and costs nearly as much, your local cafe is probably not growing thier coffee beans, but they may be roasting them, and sourcing milk from the local dairy, and making pastry from local fruit. And, and, and.... Look for those unique, locally crafted goods that might just cost a little more, but not necessarily. If they aren't spending money on marketing and packaging, neither are you.
Shop regularly, not just occasionally. You don't need to show up at your local store more often than you see your relatives, although in some cases it may be warranted. Just remember that consistent support helps small businesses thrive, and who knows, they might even remember your name—unlike that one uncle who always forgets how old you are.
Conclusion... AKA, you could have just scrolled to the botttom
## Support Local: The Impact of Choosing Small Businesses Over Convenience
Sorry, sarcasm can get away from me... yeah, not that sorry. That second B is there for a reason.
Oh, shopping small—we know this isn't a revolutionary concept, yet it's easy to forget supporting actual human beings that live and breathe close to you also supports their values. We should care about the people making our products rather than just the shiny storefronts or the convenience of Amazon. So, the next time we're up at 3am scrolling through thousands of cheap imports, remember that you'll get to sleep faster if you put your damn phone down AND make an effort to search out small businesses instead of relying on an app algo.
Our shopping habits are just that, habits, and it's equally difficult and impactful to break them and try something new, something healthier, something that can genuinely make a difference. Lastly, I will say that globalism and it's supply chains are here now and don't appear to be changing drastically anytime soon. Small, independent, family run businesses currently are and must continue to rely on goods produced overseas. And since school attendance and a national minimum wage are regulated in the states, well ... acceptance is the answer to all of your problems today.
The American dream, that etherial other halo, cherubim, rainbow and sunshine, candy coated dream: that has always been that if you work hard, you will succeed; that is the spark that ignites the flame of personal entrepenurship. Work hard. You will succceed. But in truth, in practice, this only materializes if we, as consumers, choose. WE choose by our patronage. In this age of overwhelming convenience, we can choose to expend a fraction of the effort it takes to build a business in this country, and support it. Or not.
Me, I'm rooting for the little guy. Size Matters.
Don't Envy. Just Be.
