The holidays are fast approaching. In fact, you may have already started shopping for your friends and family. While you’re at it, go ahead and add “support small businesses” to your holiday to-do list. That’s right—you can help keep small businesses running while buying gifts for your loved ones.
With Small Business Saturday around the corner, let’s go over seven ways that you can support your favorite businesses this holiday season.
1. Buy books from indie bookstores
If you love a bookworm, you can’t go wrong by gifting them a book. Instead of going to the big chain bookstores, try supporting an independent bookstore in your area. Indie bookstores tend to be smaller and less overwhelming than the chains. If the book you’re looking for isn’t in stock, an employee will be more than happy to place a special order for you. You can also support indie bookstores by:
- Purchasing merch, such as t-shirts, mugs, and bookmarks
- Shopping directly on the website if your book isn’t in stock
- Purchasing notebooks, pens, and other stationary goodies
- Buying bagged coffee or baked goods from the bookstore café
- Selecting a gift card
If you’re unable to visit local businesses in person, try surfing through their online storefront for products you can order online.
2. Purchase gift cards
You can never go wrong with a gift card. Whether it’s for your boss or a long-distance bestie, a gift card from a small business is a great holiday present.
Is there an amazing coffee truck that you’re always ranting to your coworker about? Or a local restaurant that you can’t recommend enough? You can also buy gift cards from local businesses for your own future use. This gives small businesses some much-needed cash flow, which is especially important for places that might be temporarily closed or have a reduced client base.
3. Buy food directly from restaurants
Food delivery apps are convenient, especially during the busy holiday season when you don’t have time to cook every night. But the apps take at least a 30 percent commission from each order and often charge even more fees to the business. However, there are no fees when you order directly from the restaurants. In fact, many small businesses even have their own delivery drivers to help cut back on costs. Support your favorite local restaurants by ordering takeout or delivery directly from the restaurant.
4. Shop local farmer’s markets
The holidays are a perfect time to share meals and recipes with your friends and family. Whether you’re the host of the party or bringing food to a potluck, you can shop for groceries at a local farmer’s market. Visit a local farm for organic eggs, meat, produce, and bakery items.
While you’re there, check out handmade goods from local artisans. You may be able to find some beautiful crochet work and other handmade gifts. If you’re in your charcuterie board era, try searching for a nearby specialty shop that carries delicious gourmet treats.
Write positive reviews
One of the best ways to support small businesses is to share positive reviews. Write a positive, honest review about your experience with a local business. You can name drop amazing employees who helped you find exactly what you were looking for and Share details about what made the experience great. Then, share your review on a platform like Yelp to help the business grow.
6. Share on social media
If you’re on a tight budget this year or can’t financially support some of your favorite businesses, don’t worry! You can still help in other ways. Sharing small businesses on social media is a great way to help support them. Recommend your favorite products on platforms such as Facebook or Instagram and tag the business in your post. Interacting with small businesses on social media gives the business exposure to new demographics. Word of mouth can inspire your followers to start following and shopping the business, building up its customer base.
7. Show up on Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 25, 2023, is Small Business Saturday–a day to celebrate and support small businesses. Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest season. According to the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17.9 billion.
This year let’s celebrate all that small businesses do for their communities by supporting them any way you can. If you’re a small business owner looking for resources, visit the Quantum Fiber blog. There, you’ll find articles to support your business, such as 5 ways to prepare your small business for the holiday rush.
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