What is the overall deal with #shoplocal? It seems as though social media has taken this term to trending heights. But why? Why is it so popular?
Before diving into the cultural significance of #shoplocal, let's face the facts. Times are tough. Big businesses that have been around for decades are closing up shops all across America. The pandemic has left both the US and the global economy into a catastrophic spiral downward. No one saw it coming. And what's worse: Small businesses are getting hit the hardest. Local shops that have served their respective communities have to board up their shops and hang a permanently closed sign on the front. Hawaii, which thrives on local community shops and restaurants from tourists, is suffering in the small business sector, as local Hawaiian restaurants had no other choice but to close shop. Some of these businesses cannot keep up with the high demand of home delivery services. And this is just one case.
Local shops give back to their local communities in more ways than one, compared to big brand companies. Yet, it seems unfair to hear that your favorite mom n' pop shop or restaurant has to close its doors after 20+ years of service. So what can we do to facilitate their comeback? Or better yet, what can we do to prevent these local businesses from going under?
Two words: SHOP LOCAL!
Shopping local means that instead of buying products from a chain store that generates millions easy, we should look to a local entrepreneur or small business owner and see how we can support their business financially. And if they are doing their best to deliver products to people's homes without a large team or factory warehouse, we should go above and beyond the call of duty and tip them for their service and sacrifice. They are just as much an Essential Worker as the postal service men and women. Also, shopping local means buying local products made locally, no harsh chemicals involved or interlaced in the food or fabrics. Finally, shopping local is a positive way to give back to your local community. It not only helps the shop owners provide food for their families, but also provides you with products that were made in your hometown (rather than outsourcing from another country, where lower class citizens work in less than sanitary factories).
Hence why #shoplocal is trending on social media! Even with the holidays and Black Friday coming up, you can shop local from the comfort of your home in many ways. Now, small business owners and local restaurants are offering one-of-a-kind products and services online, where anybody and everybody can order directly to their home. And we aren't just talking about small shops that are taking on the trend and offering products on Facebook and other social media platforms. Everyone is learning a new skillset that can help them make extra money (or replace their regular job's paycheck completely). And with that, 2020 has brought a rise of entrepreneurs and freelancers, offering one-of-a-kind products and services they handcrafted and prepared with care. These entrepreneurs and freelancers are taking on the #shoplocal trend and informing their online community of their unique products and services. They aren't just doing it for the social media presence, although that is a necessary component. They are doing it to create a better lifestyle during this global pandemic. They are doing it to put more than just bread on the table. They are doing it to create a legacy for their family.
So instead of dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on products from well-known stores and restaurants, this holiday season consider helping small business owners, entrepreneurs and freelancers have a wonderful holiday by going with the #shoplocal trend. Your support not only helps them during such difficult times; but also provides you with a product you can proudly say, "I was able to support my community this season."
And you know what? It's easy to start shopping locally - even in a socially distant world. TinyBoss Blog is offering t-shirts, hoodies, iPhone and smartphone cases, home accessories, and more products you can choose from. And with Black Friday coming up in a week, you can start putting down what you want on your #shoplocal Christmas Wishlist and start shopping for your family and friends anytime you want. TinyBoss Blog products are available to ship both in the US and Internationally. Due to the COVID-19 impact on shipping, please be advised that your product's delivery time may take a bit. But that won't stop you from shopping, now would it? After all, TinyBoss Blog's products has discounts of 25% and more on special days. So hop on over to our Merch Store to check out all of the products we have available (click the "Merch Store" link to access our online store).
Save money. Save Small Businesses. Save Families! #shoplocal
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