Reasons To Shop Small This Holiday Season

By: Ashely Austin

The holiday shopping season is finally in full swing. By now, you’ve probably spent your coins at a few big name retailers. While there’s nothing wrong with purchasing from more established stores, don’t forget to shop small.

According to the Small Business Administration, there are over 30.2 million small businesses in the United States — this accounts for 99.9% of all companies in the country. Small businesses play a huge role in boosting the economy and creating jobs. Not only that, they are the core of an individual’s dream. Like they say - whenever you purchase from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance.

Here are more reasons why you should shop small this holiday season:

Small businesses create jobs

As mentioned above, small businesses drive economic growth by creating more jobs. In fact, they’ve created over 66% of all new jobs since 1995. Just in the last year, they’ve supplied over 1.8 million new jobs. Small businesses also help stimulate the ‘gig economy’ — the market of freelancers and independent contractors.

Money stays in the local economy

When you purchase from big businesses, most of your money is sent to corporate headquarters — only 14% is invested back into local communities. With small businesses, however, 48% of purchases are recirculated locally.

What does this mean? When small businesses pay taxes, they help contribute to things like public schools, parks, sidewalks, and public service workers. So the more you purchase from independent businesses, the better local communities will be.

The products are non-toxic

Some chain stores sell products and packaging containing heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. For example, large retailers like Dollar Tree were called out for including hazardous plastics in their products. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors and cause health issues.

What’s even more disparaging is that these stores are most prevalent in Black and Hispanic communities — segments of the population most prone to health complications.

Thankfully, many small businesses, like those featured on BLK + GRN, are clean and non-toxic. Keep you and your family safe by shopping small and shopping green.

Small businesses are more charitable

We already know that small businesses make a more significant contribution to their local communities than large retail chains. But they are even more inclined to donate to other worthy causes.

According to the Seattle Good Business Network, independent businesses donate 250% more to non-profit organizations than big businesses. Also, 75% of small business owners donate around 6% of their profits to charity.

When you buy from small businesses, you can rest assured that your dollars will make a positive impact.

Support a small business, support a dream

Small businesses are founded by people who took risks and endured challenges in pursuit of their dream. Purchasing from independent merchants helps keep their vision alive. It also gives them the power to better their lives and uplift those around them.

This holiday season, support the dream of Black artisans and shop an array of clean and green products. The BLK + GRN marketplace is full of selections for everyone on your shopping list.

How are you shopping small this holiday season? Tell us in the comments below.