6 Reasons to Shop at Small Businesses

2020 has thrown us some curveballs, and small businesses across the country have suffered, while big-box companies like Amazon have prospered.

Many small businesses have adapted to the loss of brick & mortar sales and have opened their business's e-commerce arms. In today's world, shopping at small businesses does not only mean shopping at your local mom and pop stores. Shopping at small businesses can also be done online.

The reasons to shop small businesses online are endless, but here are just a few.

1. Small Businesses Provide New Jobs

More than half of the U.S.'s jobs since 1995 were created by small businesses, according to a report by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). And according to the SBA, since 1990, big companies eliminated 4 million jobs, while small businesses added 8 million jobs. The more you shop at a small business, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide.

2. Experience Superior Customer Service

One of the most significant advantages small businesses have over large retailers is that you are provided with a more personal and hands-on customer service experience. Populum's customer service support is handled entirely internally by their team. Every representative knows the products, and they are trained to give advice and counsel on all things CBD.

3. Select From Unique & Exclusive Products

Often, trends start in small businesses and are picked up by large companies where products are mass-produced in much cheaper quality. When you shop small, you are supporting quality, creativity, and uniqueness. The best part is - you get to have a unique product, not many others own! For example, Populum sells a unique signature orange CBD Oil tincture, that you can't find on Amazon or any other large online retailer.

4. You Become Part of Community

When you shop small business, you get to know the team behind the product, and there is a shared sense of community from your fellow patrons. You are connected on a more personal level to those who are purchasing from the same small business.

5. Your Products are Made with Care

It's no secret that if you're buying something inexpensive from a large retailer, the products are likely to be cheap quality. When you shop at small businesses, you can trust each item was handpicked by a shop owner. The products often last much longer and do not have to be bought as frequently.

6. Small Business Supports Local Economies

Even when purchasing from small businesses online, your money spent tends to stay in the local community. The opposite end of the spectrum is that when buying from a nationwide corporate company, like Amazon, the money is not kept in the local economy. Many small businesses purchase from other small and local businesses, meaning your dollar stays close to home. Shopping local helps to bring in more taxes and better the community. Sales taxes fund our communities and provide vital services such as police and fire protection, street repairs, and trash collection.

The Bottom Line

With the holiday season coming up, consider buying your gifts this year from as many small and locally owned businesses as you can. Last year, Populum curated a list of some of the staff-favorite shops to shop local from online. Shopping locals supports local communities and contributes to their growth and prosperity. Not to mention, when you shop small businesses, you will likely brighten someone's day; someone who has put a lot of work and passion into their business.

The list of reasons to shop locally owned small businesses is endless. But did you know that there are other ways to support? Share on social media. Pictures, check-ins, and reviews all help a great business to reach new customers. Keep up with their newsletters, or sign up for their email list for updates. Sign up for their loyalty program for extra perks. Oh, and tell all your friends when you've found your new favorite business to shop from. All those small word-of-mouth marketing efforts go a long way when it comes to supporting small businesses.