Nanny to Mommy

Running a business independently can be tough, and it’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic hit local companies the hardest. While chain stores certainly have their place in our malls and on our high streets, it’s the independent shops and cafes that give a town its unique personality. So, with most cities now starting to get back to some semblance of normality, it’s time for us to do our part to support our favorite local companies and help them weather this storm. Here are four ways that you and your family can do so.

One of the easiest ways for you to support a local business is simply by shopping there! So next time you’re at the mall, make a conscious effort to go to an independent coffee shop instead of Starbucks for your caffeine fix, or try a boutique clothing outlet owned by a local designer when you need a new outfit. From jewelry to art, you can find independent stores in pretty much every category, so be sure to take a look at what’s in your area! As you do so, you can explain to your kids why you’re choosing to give your custom to certain stores over others and get them involved too.

Even if your local area doesn’t offer much in the way of independent businesses, you can still support them when you shop online. These days most companies have websites and online stores, so you can shop with an independent business anywhere in the world! That way you can help small companies even when buying more unique items such as a pretty pill box, personalized children’s toys, pet clothes, or an eye-catching custom sticker that you can’t find near you.

Word of mouth is an incredible marketing tool for small local businesses that don’t have a huge budget to spend on advertising. By telling all your friends about that great independent bookstore or jewelry shop you found, you increase the chances that they’ll take a look at the place too. It’s an effective way to raise awareness of locally owned brands, especially if they’re located a little bit out of the way. Alternatively, if you find a shop or restaurant that you know someone will love, you could buy them a gift voucher to spend there.

To widen your influence, rather than simply recommending places to your family and friends, you could widen your potential audience by leaving a positive review online. This could be on Google, your personal social media sites, or the company’s own website if they have a form for you to do so. The process only takes a few minutes but will be up forever and could be seen by hundreds or even thousands of people – bringing plenty of new custom for the business in question. To be truly helpful to everyone, be honest in what you say and post pictures with the review if you can and it’s appropriate. It will almost definitely make people more confident about trying a new place!