The world is dominated by big box retailers and large shopping giants. We see duopolies in grocery shopping and we see the large companies fighting for control. These large companies import their clothing and their materials from often third-world countries. It’s very easy, therefore, to overlook the charm and the independence of smaller retailers.
If you’re looking to shop around, then buy from small businesses should be a choice that you make. It’s not really a choice, but it’s a necessity if you want to be a supportive and conscious consumer.
Here are our top 10 reasons to buy from small businesses:
1. The selection is often unique.
Companies like Jayli prove that, with their hippie pieces of clothing that people adore. Independent retailers take a lot of pride in their offerings. They curate their products to cater to the interests and taste of their local customers. And unlike the larger companies, independent shops will source all of their materials from niche suppliers. Not only does this ensure something one-of-a-kind that makes its way into your home, but it’s a diverse selection of clothing. No two pieces of clothing or materials are made twice the same way.
2. There is a personalized and knowledgeable service.
You can go to Walmart and buy what you want, but most of the time the staff can be quite robotic and they repeat any customer service queries with robot answers. In fact, many of the large businesses do use AI chat bots in their websites to be able to give those robot answers.
In smaller and more independent businesses, owners and employees will have an in depth knowledge of their products, they can provide recommendations that are based on preferences, and they can create a more fulfilling shopping experience. Small businesses can offer a more personalized and attentive shopping experience, and that’s in comparison to the larger retailers. When you ask about a product or a piece of clothing on the shelves, the retailer will be able to teach you all about where things have come from.
3. You get to connect with your community.

A local business is integral to the community fabric and without them there are no sponsored events or participation in local initiatives. Those Knick Knack markets you love on a Friday night in your town centre wouldn’t be possible without local small businesses. Community engagement can help you to establish strong bonds with fellow entrepreneurs or other people in business. Shopping at independent retailers can also strengthen that sense of community and put more money back into it. Instead of giving your money to large corporations who skim off the top and underpaid their workers, you’ll be supporting smaller businesses who are looking for the ability to offer fair wages and Fair Work conditions to their teams.
4. Great boost to the local economy.
Independent retailers directly contribute to the growth of the local economy in the same way they contribute to community engagement. They’re more likely to purchase from local suppliers and create local jobs. They’ll also reinvest their earnings back into the same community in which they live, and that leads to a vibrant and prosperous regional community. If you want to be able to buy from small businesses, then you’re supporting somebody being able to send their kid to a dance class. That is impactful.
5. Positive environmental impact.

Large corporations often have a large carbon footprint. Independent retailers tend to have smaller carbon footprints, and they are much more likely to adopt sustainable practices. Because they prioritize eco-friendly options and reduce waste. This makes them the greener alternative to the larger retailers out there. They often also take up less space in terms of land for warehousing. Small retailers have smaller storage spaces.
6. They concentrate on local culture preservation.
Most of the time, an independent retailer will reflect their local community’s unique heritage and character. By supporting these businesses, you’ll be able to keep local craftsmanship and culture in process. This makes your neighborhood and your entire community more culturally rich.
7. They respond quickly to changing trends.
Customer preferences seem to change all the time, and unlike larger retailers, smaller ones can adjust their offerings and services to meet local demand. Rather than offering a blanket service, they can be more unique and they can respond quickly to changes in the trends locally.
8. You’re supporting innovation.

Independent retailers are often the birth place of entrepreneurship and innovation. By supporting them, you’re putting money into somewhere that encourages a culture of risk taking and creativity. Given that smaller retailers open up new jobs in your local community, you’ll be able to nurture future business leaders and pioneers across the other industries out there.
9. You strengthen your social ties.
There is such a good sense of camaraderie around community members, especially when lots of friends are opening up shops next to each other. Engaging with local businesses often allows you to have better interactions with your neighbors, and that strengthens your social ties because everybody gets to know one another. Communities that have independent businesses that are thriving have higher levels of social capital. It becomes friendlier and more tight knit and that’s what you want from your local community.
You’re giving back. Because many independent retailers actively participate in philanthropy, you’ll be shopping with something that allows you to indirectly contribute to noble causes. This is a positive and impactful thing to do on your society as a whole.
When you buy from small businesses, you’re investing in your community and gaining access to unique products and personalized service.