Trying to tick some items off your Christmas shopping list this weekend? Why not start with a look round your ’hood? Tomorrow, the 5th of December, is Small Business Saturday—an annual campaign to encourage consumers to shop local and support small businesses. And to get involved, all you have to do is think before you shop.
Why local is lovely
Independent shops and cafés help to give a neighbourhood its unique character and vibe—a high street seems soulless when you see nothing but chains—and they cater to locals in a way the big retailers can’t. Many small businesses also host classes, clubs and events that encourage community by bringing people together. Plus shopping locally boosts your neighbourhood’s economy and reduces the eco-unfriendly air miles your stuff needs to travel to reach you.
Best of all at this time of year, you can find the most unusual items at independent shops. Check out our kids’ gift guide for some cool and quirky gifts you can buy from small businesses, and watch this space for more local-shopping Christmas inspiration next week.
How it adds up
Of course, it’s better to shop locally all year round, though even here you can start small. The Totally Locally campaign claims spending just £5 of your weekly shopping locally can make a huge difference: in a town with 10,000 adults, they point out, if once each week every adult switched £5 of their weekly spend—maybe on coffee, a sandwich or a book—to a local shop, it would add up to an extra £2.6 million being spent with independent businesses.
Where to go
Not sure where to start? Check out WLM’s local directory, visit a Christmas market, search Independent London, try the Small Business Finder, look at the London Bookshop Map or just head to your high street and pop into whatever independent shops strike your fancy. You’ll be helping everyone in your community to have a happy Christmas.
