How many times in recent years have you been disappointed to hear about the closure of a locally owned store?
As we head into the holiday season, it is important to remember to support local businesses when shopping for and planning yearly traditions. The businesses in our community are facing uncertain futures, many may not survive past the holidays – it’s the season many retailers depend upon for their entire year.
What happens when we shop local?
Boosting the Local Economy in a Few Short Months
Not only do small, local shops have to compete for business with big box stores (cough* cough* Amazon), they also have to combat the effects of COVID-19.
Shopping local on the other hand, supports your local community straight away. Because when you purchase a good or service, that money is being invested into the business, and with that – into the local community.
Not to mention that the Holiday season it the busiest shopping season! You can actually help your local shops stay open for most of 2021 in only a couple short months.
Ways to shop during a pandemic
Gift Cards
Gift cards are a great way to support local when shopping for holiday gifts, especially for those people in our lives that are hard to buy for.
They give the gift of choice. They grant friends and family the flexibility and freedom to pick out something for themselves – who doesn’t love that?
It also makes gift giving easier on you! Not sure what to buy as a Holiday gift? Let us at Modern Concierge help you with that!
Online or Over the Phone
Another option for holiday shopping from local businesses is through their online shops or ordering over the phone.
Most businesses in your local area have online stores since COVID. If not, try giving them a call or checking their social media platforms. Chances are they are selling their items through there, and providing local pickup and dropoff options.
Shop In Store
Many businesses in your local area have taken strict COVID precautions since early this year. So if you still want to head into the shop and browse their selection, just be sure to follow their covid rules.
Here’s some ideas on how to boost your local economy this holiday season:
- Try the new restaurant around the corner! Even if you can’t go there right now: buy a gift voucher that can be used whenever the restaurant can open back up. Alternatively, we can also organize deliveries from your favorite local restaurants so you can enjoy their food in the comfort of your home.
- Buy presents for your kids, nephews, nieces or other tiny humans at a local manufacturer. The toys are often not only more beautiful and nicer fabricated, but also ecologically produced.
- Spread the love! Don’t only buy local, but also talk about it. Like small businesses’ social media posts, leave a positive review and recommend the shop to your family and friends.
Let’s work together to make sure that the local businesses within our community survive the financial and cultural hardships of today. By buying from them or using their services this holiday season, we can support them into the future.
Want to avoid the time-consuming search for presents? At Modern Concierge, we are happy to help you get your holiday shopping done without stress and hassles. So you get the time for the really important things in your life and can fully enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones.
