Christmas is approaching at full speed, but supply chain shortages are disrupting resupply of popular items. Store supply is compromised by labor shortages, COVID-19 closures and their aftermath, and shipping issues. We’ve been facing shortages since the start of the pandemic, so while it’s not a new development, it’s still frustrating. This is just one of the many reasons why we should hang out with small businesses, even if they may not have the exact thing we’re looking for, they’re probably more knowledgeable (and more reliable!). Here are six reasons why you might prefer to shop local this winter!
Unique gifts
We’re all so used to the almost invasive accessibility of Amazon and other big retail chains that it’s hard to imagine any alternative. After all, it’s tempting to be able to order whatever we want from the comfort of our own home. If you want to find unique gifts and a welcoming atmosphere, you will have much better luck in a local store.
Convenience
When it comes to convenience, you’re better off with a small local store. Maybe you have a mom-and-pop store right next to you, which is probably more convenient than looking for a toy in the vastness of big box stores. Plus, local shopping is a more personalized experience: a small business means workers can devote more time and attention to their customers.
Skill
Therefore, local business owners are experts in the products they sell because they have organized the collection themselves. They are also attentive to the wishes of customers and can adjust their inventory as needed, providing a more personalized experience than that offered by retail chains. Local business owners are passionate about their products and typically take longer to get to know their customers. Local business owners need to be experts in their field in order to meet the demands of their customers.
Investing in your community
Small businesses have been hit hard by the fallout from the pandemic, so it’s important to support your local stores by choosing them over chain stores whenever you can. When you support local businesses, you are investing in your community, allowing new businesses to continue to open and thrive in the neighborhood. When profits remain local, it increases the wealth of the community. Buying locally is the best way to show pride in your city and help support the businesses that make your city unique.
Best deals
These stores are also more likely to get a good deal! Since this is a small business, not only is the customer service more personalized, but the smaller customer base means these stores will have sales to attract more customers. Big box stores may have sales here and there, but they’re also just as likely to raise prices as demand increases. Sometimes local business prices are better to start with, anyway, they don’t have the overhead that department stores might have, so they don’t have to worry about getting those funds back.
Quality products
You are more likely to find quality products in local stores. Instead of going to a retail store to buy a mass-produced gift, you can visit a local business and find treasures you couldn’t buy anywhere else. Small businesses are much more likely to carry unique items from local suppliers and manufacturers, giving you access to an exclusive line of products. It’s also a great way to avoid giving predictable gifts. While it may be easier to buy this year’s most popular toy for a niece or nephew, it will definitely be more special to give them a hand-picked and uniquely designed toy made by locals. or semi-local artisans.
It’s hard to overstate how easy it is to buy from big companies like Amazon or Walmart, but this year we’re facing supply shortages, shipping delays, and possible price hikes. The best medicine is to buy local and buy from small businesses – small businesses really put their customers and the quality of their products first. When you buy from a business like this, not only do you get to choose a unique gift, but you are also investing in that business and, by extension, your community as a whole.
At Total Mortgage, we love to show our support for small businesses! We asked our loan officers to share their favorite local businesses; here is what they found!
CONNECTICUT
Emalyn Candy
https://www.facebook.com/emalynsweets/
Recommended by: Dave Stambone
The toy box
https://www.facebook.com/TheToyChestRidgefield/
Recommended by: Dave Stambone
Ridgefield Prime
https://www.ridgefieldprime.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ridgefieldprime/
Recommended by: Dave Stambone
Mario’s Toscane Grill and Bar
http://www.mariostuscanygrill.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mariostuscanygrillandbar/
Recommended by: Alésia Warner
The Old Riverton Inn and Royal Coach Tavern
https://www.facebook.com/oldrivertoninn1796/
Recommended by: Alésia Warner
Tributary Restaurant
http://thetributary.dineinct.com/menu
https://www.facebook.com/The-Tributary-Restaurant-117323721685209/
Recommended by: Alésia Warner
LIVE.BeYou.
https://liveandbeyou.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LIVe.ClothingBoutique/
Recommended by: Alésia Warner
Entrenched market
https://www.facebook.com/RootedMarketCT/
Recommended by: Alésia Warner
Paws and reflection
https://www.pawsandreflectct.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pawsandreflectct/
Recommended by: Alésia Warner
Last Trattoria
https://www.facebook.com/finalmentewestport/
Recommended by: Tina Terenzio
Southern Wrestling Club
https://www.southsidetc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SouthSideWrestlingCT/
Recommended by: Tina Terenzio
Jimmie’s Pizza
https://www.jimmiespizzact.com/
Recommended by: Jarret Eamiello
J.Rene Roaster
https://www.jrenecoffee.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jrenecoffee/
Recommended by: Jarret Eamiello
Quaker dinner
https://www.ctvisit.com/listings/quaker-diner
https://www.facebook.com/quakerdinerwh/
Recommended by: Jarret Eamiello
Hops44
http://www.hops44.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thehops44/
Red Barn Creamery & Stearns Farm Stand
http://www.tasteofmansfieldct.org/stearns-farm-stand.html
https://www.facebook.com/stearnsfarmstand
RHODE ISLAND
Comfortable + Cozy by Cee
https://www.instagram.com/comfycozybycee/?hl=fr
Recommended by: Nichole Longtin
Leading the pack
https://ahead-of-the-pack.business.site/
https://www.facebook.com/AheadofthePackLLC/
Recommended by: Nichole Longtin
Paola projects
https://paolaprojects.com/
https://www.facebook.com/paolaprojects/
Recommended by: Nichole Longtin
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Everyone fights the ROCK
https://www.facebook.com/ebfrock
Recommended by: Sam Sirmaian
Colosseum Restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/TheColosseumRestaurant
Recommended by: Sam Sirmaian
Written by Rae
https://www.letteredbyrae.com/
https://www.instagram.com/letteredbyrae/?hl=fr
Recommended by: Sam Sirmaian
MASSACHUSETTS
Fusion Salon and Spa
https://www.fusionsaloneexperience.com/
https://www.facebook.com/fusionsaloneexperience
Recommended by: Sam Sirmaian
CAROLINE FROM THE SOUTH
S&S destination
https://www.ssdestination.com/
https://m.facebook.com/SS-Destination-112086593592516/
Recommended by: Darren Kaplan
The original landscape offer
https://www.theoriginallandscapesupply.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalLandscapeSupply/
Recommended by: Darren Kaplan
WISCONSIN
Tosa bowl and bun
https://www.tosabowlandbun.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tosabowlandbun/
Recommended by: Shannon McClellan
Hector’s A Mexican Restaurant
https://www.hectors.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hectorsamexicanrestaurant/
Recommended by: Shannon McClellan
Central bark
https://www.facebook.com/centralbarkwauwatosa/
Recommended by: Shannon McClellan
United Fund for the Performing Arts
https://upaf.org/
https://www.facebook.com/upaf1/
Recommended by: Shannon McClellan
FLORIDA
Papa Kwan’s
http://www.papakwans.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PapaKwans/
Recommended by: Jake Healy
Utiki
https://www.utikibeach.com/
https://www.facebook.com/utikibeach/
Recommended by: Jake Healy
Advantage coffee
https://www.perkcoffeetequesta.com/
https://www.facebook.com/perktequesta/
Recommended by: Jake Healy
Coolinary
https://www.thecoolpig.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CoolinaryCafe/
Recommended by: Jake Healy
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