It’s the season of shopping and spending. A lot of money is spent each year on perfect gifts and parties out with family and friends. In today’s world, holiday shopping through places like Amazon is the norm, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore local and small businesses.
Businesses in Boise and the rest of Idaho have a lot to offer during the holidays like: unique gifts, good prices, and in-person convenience. So, rather than just getting everything off Amazon, here’s some ways to support local businesses this holiday season.
Why Shop Local?
Buying locally with small businesses has a huge impact on your community. Making a purchase with a big chain store or online retailer is a drop in their bucket, but buying from a local business is like a running hose in their bucket.
When you buy from a local business, that money is reinvested in the community. The money keeps the business open, who then can buy their supplies and such from other local businesses. In turn, they also pay their employees and support their family with it, which then continues to cycle the money in the community.
If keeping money in Idaho’s communities is important to you, the best way to accomplish this is by shopping at local businesses. Every dollar spent at a local small business creates an additional 50 cents in local business activity.
Finding Local Businesses
Small businesses are everywhere. They’re in the strip malls by your home, the street corners your drive past, and everywhere in between. But you don’t have time to go into every single one and see what they have to sell.
A great way to find local businesses is by searching online for specific types of items. Looking to buy toys for the kids? Search “toy store near me” or “toy store in Boise.” Some larger stores might show up, but local businesses will too. You could even check their website to see if they have what you are looking for.
Another way to find local stores is just through word of mouth. Ask a friend for a recommendation. Put up a post on social media asking where people like to shop and eat locally.
Shop Locally Online
Online shopping is so convenient and simple. You can do it from your couch, in your comfy clothes, while watching a show. Especially with how crazy holiday shopping can get, it’s understandable wanting to shop from home.
The great news is that you can still shop locally online! Many local stores have a website you can buy stuff through and have it delivered. All of the same convenience, but now supporting a local business!
Small Business Saturday
Black Friday is dominated by big chain stores, Cyber Monday is Amazon and other online retailers, but the Saturday between them is for small businesses. Small Business Saturday is a great time to check out what your local and online small businesses are selling.
Many small businesses lack the reach big stores have to advertise their deals, so be sure to check their social media and websites. There might be really good deals you just don’t know about.
If you are looking for small businesses, check out Pioneer’s Buy Local program. Local small businesses become Buy Local partners and if you shop with them using a Pioneer credit card, you get bonus Rewards points!
Go Back Over and Over
Local businesses need on-going support. Visiting them regularly can ensure they keep their doors open. One unique quality of many small businesses is they are flexible and likely to change regularly. By visiting them more often, you get to see everything they have to offer, like new products, services, and more!
If you shop with a local business regularly and want help saving money, open a ChangeForward account. Everytime you use your debit card, it rounds up your purchase to the nearest dollar and puts the rounded change into a savings account!
Open a ChangeForward Account