shop small

As a small business owner, I know how challenging it can be to compete with big businesses that have more resources, more customers, and more influence. But I also know how rewarding it can be to run a small business that serves the needs of the local community, provides quality products, and services, and creates jobs and opportunities for others. In this post, I want to share with you some of the reasons why small businesses matter to the community and why we should support them. I also want to talk about the negative impact of giant retailers, both online and brick and mortar, such as Walmart, and Amazon on small businesses and consumers.

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 31.7 million small businesses in the United States, accounting for 99.9% of all businesses, 47.1% of private sector employment, and 43.5% of private sector GDP. Small businesses also contribute to innovation, diversity, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Sadly, 50% of small businesses fail in the first five years.

But beyond these statistics, small businesses matter to the community in many other ways. Here are some of them:

- Small businesses offer personalized service and customer satisfaction. Unlike big businesses that may have standardized policies and procedures, small businesses can tailor their products and services to meet the specific needs and preferences of their customers. They can also build long-term relationships with their customers and provide them with more attention and care.

- Small businesses support local causes and charities. Small business owners are often involved in their communities and donate their time, their money and their resources to various causes and organizations that benefit the local people. They also sponsor local events, sports teams and schools, and participate in civic activities.

- Small businesses create a sense of community and identity. Small businesses help shape the character and culture of a place by offering unique products and services that reflect local values, traditions and history. They also foster social interactions and connections among customers, employees, and neighbors, creating a sense of belonging and pride.

- Small businesses stimulate local economic development and growth. Small businesses generate income and tax revenue for the local economy, creating a multiplier effect that benefits other local businesses and industries. They also create jobs and opportunities for local workers, suppliers, and entrepreneurs, enhancing the skills and income of the local population.

While small businesses have many advantages and benefits for the community, they also face many challenges and threats from giant retailers that dominate the market. 

Some of the negative impacts of these giant retailers on small businesses and consumers are:

- Many undercut prices and drive out competition. Giant retailers can leverage their economies of scale, bargaining power, and distribution networks to offer lower prices than small businesses can afford. This can force small businesses to lower their profit margins or close altogether, reducing consumer choice and diversity.

- Many exploit workers and suppliers. Giant retailers often pay low wages and offer poor working conditions to their workers, especially those in developing countries where labor standards are lax or nonexistent. They also squeeze their suppliers to lower their costs, compromising their quality and sustainability.

- Many evade taxes and regulations. Giant retailers often use various strategies to avoid paying taxes or complying with regulations that apply to small businesses. For example, they may shift their profits to low-tax jurisdictions, use loopholes or subsidies, or lobby for favorable policies or exemptions.

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As consumers, we have the power to support small businesses by choosing where we spend our money. Here are some ways we can do that:

- Shop locally whenever possible. Buying from local small businesses helps keep money in the local economy, supports local jobs and causes, reduces environmental impact, and enhances community identity.

- Research before buying online. If we need to buy something online, we can do some research to find out if there are any small businesses that offer the same product or service online or if there are any alternatives that are more ethical or sustainable.

- Leave positive reviews and referrals. One of the best ways to help small businesses is to spread the word about them through online reviews, social media posts, word-of-mouth recommendations, etc.

- Give feedback and suggestions. Another way to help small businesses is to talk to them! Give them honest feedback and suggestions on how they can improve their products or services or meet our needs better.

- Be loyal and patient. Finally, we can support small businesses by being loyal customers who return regularly and buy more from them. We can also be patient with them when they face challenges or difficulties and show them our appreciation and gratitude.

Support your local small business today! Grab lunch from your local mom and pop eatery. Buy a new shirt, get a gift for someone (or yourself) and of course, don't forget your furry friend.

Thanks for reading and thanks for shopping. 

-Dave