Tips for Shopping Small Businesses this Holiday Season

Shop Small this Holiday Season

Small businesses are staples in our communities and we love to support them! And now is the perfect time to commit to shopping small. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented amount of small businesses to close and left many more struggling to stay afloat. But, this holiday season we have the opportunity to show our favorite small businesses some love! A lot of people want to support small biz but don't know where to start. Here are some tips for discovering new ways to shop small:

1. Etsy! Search Etsy first
   Etsy is a great tool for discovering all things handmade! As well as vintage, jewelry, art and so much more. If you have a certain gift in mind that you were going to buy on Amazon or a department store try searching for it on Etsy first. It's almost a guarantee you will find something better than what you were originally searching for. It has shops from all over the world and most products have reviews so you can ensure you're getting exactly what you want.

2. Local Small Business Directory
   Try searching for a small business directory for your city, county, or state. It's a great way to search by category and spend your dollars close to home. Here in Utah we love to use Utahsown.org and Localfirst.org 

3. You Know a Small Biz Owner!
   Yes you do! Think of your friends and family that you see promoting their business or side hustle on social media. Have you tried their product? Have you bought a print or piece of jewelry? Buy something from them and support people you know.

4. Instagram
   A lot of small businesses operate their business model primarily on Instagram and using hashtags can be a great way to find new shops to support. Try #BuyBlack #ShopSmall #WomanOwned and #Handmade to start and then tailor to what you may be looking for! #LineArt #Silversmith #NaturalSkincare #Handforged 

5. Brick and Mortar Shops
   Check out some local shops in your neighborhood. Many local retail shops carry their own goods, as well as products from other local makers. It's a win! Some of our neighborhood favorites are Salt & Honey and Animalia in SLC.

Written By: Isabella J. Knori @desert.trash