Once you resolve to improve your lifestyle, you must follow through. Whether you’re trying to change your personal clothing style, experiment with new hobbies, find a date, or improve your health, you likely need to go shopping to help make those changes. Only through shopping can you bring home the clothes or other supplies you need to embrace your lifestyle change.
There are many places to shop, both online and in person. Do your best to shop at small businesses. Small businesses often offer unique merchandise to help you better embrace your lifestyle change. The following three tips for supporting small businesses this summer will inspire you as you shop to make small businesses and your community better.
Shop Small, Online and in Person
We’ve already mentioned how beneficial it is to shop at small businesses. While the other support options below can help small businesses, nothing can replace the dollars you spend there. Whether you’re shopping for quilting fabric online or looking for a new healthy restaurant to try, focus on small businesses. While big box stores or chain restaurants often appear first in online searches or on advertising signs, small businesses often offer better products and experiences. Spend your money there, whether you’re shopping online or in person.
Share Small Business Information
After shopping at a small business, spread the word. If you love a particular product, had a great experience with a specific staff member, or just love the store’s vibe, share this information with others. You can do so in various ways, such as tagging their location in social media posts or texting a friend about your experience. Sharing small business information with others acts as free advertising that these businesses need and gets more people in their doors. The more people visit, the more money they make, and this small business can thrive. As it succeeds, it can grow, and you can shop there even more.
Buy Gift Cards
If your loved ones listen to you share your love for a particular small business but are hesitant to try it for themselves, buy them a gift card. This purchase helps the small business you love and will encourage your loved ones to try it out. They’ll probably get hooked, just like you are, and start shopping there even after they’ve spent the gift card.
As you shop for your new lifestyle this summer, focus on supporting small businesses with these tips. As small businesses thrive, they can grow, and you can shop there for even more lifestyle supplies. Their growth will also improve your community, which makes your area a better place to live.