Local commerce or large platforms? In recent decades, specialized shops in our neighborhoods, village stores, and local markets have gradually disappeared. The pandemic was the final straw for many small businesses, but at the same time, it has further opened the debate about what we want to build: a society based on local and retail commerce or one dominated by large platforms. Therefore, at a time when many "traditional" stores are having to close their doors, many other small businesses are emerging that convey the values of proximity, commitment, and quality.
Reasons to support local businesses
In most cases, large retailers and huge online platforms offer much more attractive prices, but in the process of achieving a "cheap" item, there are a number of nuances that are present in local commerce:
- Boosting the local economy: By shopping at these local businesses, you're supporting the local economy, creating jobs, and contributing to the prosperity of the area in which you live.
- Less quantity and more quality: you probably won't find as many versions of the same product as on a large platform, but you will find one that will last a long time and is the most appropriate for what you need.
- Advice and proximity: precisely because you'll have the advice of the shopkeeper, an expert in what they sell and who personally handles the production or orders from suppliers they've been working with for years. They won't hesitate to tell you that a certain product isn't the right one: their goal isn't to get you to buy one day, but to get you to come back whenever you need.
- Relationship of trust: This establishes a relationship of trust that is much harder to achieve in a franchise or a large supermarket with staff turnover. In short, a place to shop without rushing, where you'll likely leave with what you need or want—and nothing more.
- Know-how and authenticity: Finally, by choosing local businesses, you help preserve the trades, from the bread baked every morning to shoe repairs. Furthermore, small businesses often offer unique and original products, from handicrafts and designer clothing to culinary creations that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Supporting local businesses is in our hands
The continuity of local, closer, sustainable, and long-term commerce is also in our hands. In fact, as responsible and conscious consumers, we can choose to purchase goods considering not only price, but also social and environmental aspects.
3 Ideas to promote local commerce
1. Discover the options in your neighborhood
Haste makes waste. And sometimes, instead of spending an afternoon exploring the neighborhood and exploring the shops, we prefer to hop in the car once a week to go to the mall or hypermarket. But you're sure to have plenty of fresh, high-quality produce options within your immediate vicinity. Often, you'll find them on your way home!
2. If you liked it, tell us about it
Starting out is often difficult for local businesses, so word of mouth is essential for a new business to fill up in the first few months. If you liked what you bought at the store next door or received great service, tell them about it!
If you use social media, these are also a great platform to boost your brand. An Instagram story featuring products you've liked or sharing news about a store opening in your area can help more than you think. If you're a techie, you can also leave a review on their Google Maps listing to help more people learn about the business.
3. Choose them for your purchases
And, above all, choose them for your purchases. Small businesses foster accessibility, build community, and sustain the local economy. So, with a simple decision, you may be contributing to something bigger than you think...
Buying local fashion online
Although we often associate online shopping with tech giants, nothing could be further from the truth! Local businesses have also gone digital, and many of them, especially those related to crafts and fashion, have online stores that allow them to distribute their products more widely.
Elisa Muresan is an eco-conscious and artisanal fashion brand founded in 2012. In addition to our online store, we have a physical location in Zaragoza, where we design and produce our sustainable women's clothing in an artisanal, local way, without intermediaries. With timeless, versatile patterns and a very limited number of units, our goal is for you to appreciate all the heartbeats behind your garment and, of course, to enjoy your daily pulse when you wear it. You'll find us here or at 21 Pedro María Ric Street, Zaragoza. We look forward to seeing you!
