How to actually shop small....all year 🛍

It’s that time again. Whether you love or loathe the holidays (it’s probably a mix), we’re all about to pull out our wallets and buy stuff out of tradition, love, and obligation. This is, of course, the perfect time to put our money where our mouths are and support the small, independent businesses we so value.

Let’s take a moment to consider “Black Friday” for a second. You remember why it’s called “black,” right? November and December are the months when many retail businesses are most profitable, and their bottom line numbers appear in black (rather than red) on their P&L reports. 

While the big “doorbuster” deals at giant national retailers like Best Buy and Walmart really put Black Friday squarely into the category of “insane things Americans do,” the concept of Black Friday absolutely applies to small businesses as well. This is the time of year when small businesses bank as much cash as possible and store it away for the leaner months, just like the 47 squirrels currently burying nuts 🐿 (I think?) in my front yard.

Spending your money with small, independent, and local businesses as much as possible over the holiday season is like giving them a bag of IV fluids, a vitamin B shot, an adderall, and a xanax. Okay, that actual combo would probably be bad, but you get the point – lots of cash flowing into a small business is energizing, calming, and sustaining.

I know what you’re thinking. Sure, Sheila, I already knowwww all this. I know I am supposed to shop small and local, and I want to, but I’m soooo busy and one-click buying on Amazon while I’m at a stoplight is how I get it all done. 

Okay, first of all, 🤚 don’t shop and drive. Second, shopping small can actually be much more efficient than you think, and the gifts are always way better. 

Here are my top tips:

• Planning a gathering? Host it at a local restaurant or have it catered from a local caterer. Whole Foods doesn’t need your money. Buy your wines from a local wine shop. Total Wine doesn't need your money.
• Make a list of gift recipients and assign gift budgets. It’s easier to choose a gift for aunt Karen when you’ve decided in advance to aim for a $40 spend.
• Make another list of five to ten small and local businesses that you like. Think through the businesses first and what they offer, then match the offering to recipients. For example, Pendulum is a fabulous butcher near me, and they sell meat, specialty grocery items, and classes like “How to Make Sausage.” My husband loves all forms of sausage. Done.
• Remember all the retailers! There are SO MANY stores for you to choose from. Think beyond the gift-y shops and remember that allll the stores want to sell you stuff this time of year: local hardware stores, specialty food shops (butchers, cheesemongers, wine shops), day spas, bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries…literally everyone has something for someone on your list.
• Order online for in-store pickup or local delivery if it’s offered. Small retailers are happy to take your money however it’s most convenient for you to hand it over.
• Use the salespeople! They know the merchandise best, and they can save you a lot of time aimlessly wandering aisles. Remember that list you made in #2? When an employee asks you if they can help you find something, hand them the list.
• Start early! Like now. You have 30 days. Surely you can visit eight local businesses in a month.

And if you really are too busy making popcorn balls and shopping on your phone at stoplights is your only hope, here are some of my favorites from the online stores of Pedal retailers: 

• Floral beaded mini dress at Jurisdiction
• DIY trucker hat kit at District DabbleLab
• Midnights silver sequin maxi skirt at Cherie Lane
• Party animal kids tee at The Play Shop
• Kantha crossbody belt bag - cobalt at Maison Soleil
• Toadstool mushroom felting kit at Merry Pin
• Justin Guinta Western Expanse diptych painting at MK Quinlan
• Leopard bootcut jeans at Paper Doll
• Jelly bean eternity ring at Scarpa
• Birdie original tee at CitySwing

Happy shopping!