We think it’s pretty safe to say we’ve all been doing a little more online impulse buying these days. There’s nothing wrong with a little retail therapy – thrust us when we say we love filling up that online shopping cart just as much as the next person. But it’s important to remember where those dollars are going!
Think about some of the most recent purchases you made – maybe it was those new sandals for summer, flowers for mom, or chips and guac from the grocery store. Now think about if you made those purchases from bigger businesses, local, or maybe a mix of both? If you’re not sure, don’t worry, supporting local business is easier than you think!
Remember that hole in the wall boutique you found that perfect, unique bracelet for your perfect, unique best friend? Well, there’s a good chance your supported a local business!
Locally owned businesses are the backbone to many small economies, helping to foster community involvement and identity. While some of us might be getting back to our “normal” lives, a lot of small businesses are still struggling from COVID related closures.
Besides helping minimize your carbon footprint with a good walk around the neighborhood, there are many benefits to shopping at your local stores. Not only do these small shops help create a sense of community, but they also help create jobs that filter money back into the local economy, ultimately helping it thrive.
Not to mention the added bonus that a lot of what comes out of your neighborhood stores is locally made and one-of-a-kind. That means no more showing up to dinner sporting the same shoulder bag as three other people.
Recently, Canary partnered with Woolly Made a small Pacific Northwest business that offers responsibly made custom wallets. For an inside look at the local economy, some of the Canary employees from our Portland office took part in a Woolly Made workshop where they got to hand make their own leather wallets. Besides the fun that comes with getting to play designer for a day, it’s important to know the background behind the products we purchase and the people who make them.
Like Woolly Made, we continue to partner with local small businesses to create custom corporate gifts for some of our clients. At Canary, we’re committed to sourcing products from local partners as often as possible and working to bridge the gap between local and big businesses. Whether it’s retail, groceries, or something unique, it’s important to consciously spend our dollars in places that make the most social impact.
So next time you’re looking for that perfect birthday gift or craving a coffee, check out your neighborhood market or that coffee shop around the corner. You never know what you mind find, and you never know who’ll be doing a happy dance because of your purchase.
