Shopping small isn’t an easy task these days. You are surrounded by all kinds of big box stores and the little guys are hidden in dark alleys where few people tread. START treading those alley ways! I know it seems overwhelming at first, I am a person too that has a hard time finding the right small business for the exact product we want. My husband and I have developed a very basic system for shopping small that we will share with you here. The list is the first step. Sometimes you need a small business for what you want doesn’t even exist in your community. At that point you find small business online.
Grocery: We have four kids so we do use Costco, but for the in between shopping we use Heritage Market, a small grocery store in our town. The pharmacy we use is also in the grocery store.
What do you do when you do not even have a small grocery store? Do some research which chain does the most for your community. Then shop there. When I say chain, I am referring to franchises. Franchises are purchased by individuals that could even live in your community. Stores like Wal-Mart are NOT franchises. They own their stores, so all profit goes to those at the top NOT into your communities.
Seek out Direct Sales businesses that sell food items or kitchen equipment like Pampered Chef, Dove Chocolate, Tastefully Simply (one of my favorites,) Tubberware, Wildtree and these are just a few. Best part; find one closest to you and just order online. Convenience for you PLUS putting money back into your community! All of this can be done with a simple google search!
Accessories (purses, jewelry, wallets, décor, SKIN CARE, make-up, etc.)
Find consignment stores or craft stores like Alley Arts and Crafts LLC in my town of Eaton. Just check out their Facebook to know what I am talking about. They rent booths to local artist and crafters. My favorite finds so far…find one in our community! Ours even sells apparel for our local sports team!
Direct Sales! Can’t say it enough. You can google it, find a consultant in your community and order online right then and there!
Furniture
Antique Stores! Furniture today is made from cheap goods and fake “wood” looking materials. Antique stores have the goods! You can also repaint or stain the furniture the way you want it, so don’t let that be an obstacle. Not a crafter? Me either! They make a spray paint that is just as good as painting it by hand. Easy for those of us who can’t complete a Pinterest project to save our lives!
Hopefully you get where I am going with this. Make a list of all the things you frequently purchase ahead of time and what small businesses will have these products. Don’t feel bad if you have a retail relapse, just get right back up on the horse and shop small. Tag us when you do! #shopsmallchallenge.com!