It's been heartening to witness the growing 'shop small' movement gaining momentum in 2023. After all, we live in an age where many of us are likely to have reached ‘peak stuff’ – that slightly bonkers saturation point with the possessions we accumulate over time.
So, we feel it’s about time we re-discovered the joys of ‘shopping small’ this festive season.
The sustainability non-profit organisation 1% for the Planet, of which we became a member in September, is mobilising its community to steer consumers away from the overt commercialism typically associated with the festive season.
Instead, they want to help its thousands of SME business members committed to donating 1% of their sales to environmental causes to attract more local customers.
Meanwhile, on the bigger corporate front, major players are actively urging consumers to lend their support to local and small-scale retailers. Companies American Express, PayPal, and Instagram are shining a spotlight on smaller businesses to boost sales. American Express, for example, has initiated a Shop Small campaign, enticing cardmembers to support local retailers through statement credits and additional perks.
This shift is particularly poignant as numerous small enterprises grapple with the ongoing economic repercussions of the pandemic and the broader challenges posed by the rising cost of living.
Behind this feel-good trend lies an acknowledgment that small and medium-sized businesses play a crucial role in fostering community growth and character. Ultimately, local residents reap the rewards when money is reinvested closer to home.
Given the prevailing economic uncertainties, it's likely that more brands and businesses will continue to champion the cause of shopping small in 2024.