10/30/2022
When the pandemic hit, small businesses had to pivot, get creative, and be strategic. Whether they thrived through it or barely survived, it was an intense time for the owners behind these businesses. Never knowing what the next week would bring became the norm and it was a 24-7 all hands on deck situation.
And then finally, it seemed that things were getting back to normal and small businesses could take a sigh of relief. Many invested cash to go online, grew teams to handle the volume, ordered more inventory and then bam, interest rates went up, cost of living sky-rocketed and people started to travel again and the shop local train slowed way down and sales went down.
To say it’s been a lot for many small businesses is an understatement - not just financially but emotionally and mentally too.
It has never been more important to shop local and support the businesses in your community. I sure don’t want to live in a world of just Walmarts, Costco’s, and Amazon, do you?
I want to live in a community with the local floral shop where I can get a custom bouquet for my friend, the local plant shop where the owner is passionate and cares deeply about what they are selling, the local clothing store where I can try items on and experience high quality fabrics, the local bakery I can sit for a delicious coffee and baking that uses locally sourced and highest quality ingredient or the cool shop with careful sourced products that are better for the environment.
And I get it, cash flow is tight with mortgage rates through the roof, high gas prices and grocery bills going up.
So instead of continuing to buy quantity, I’m going for quality and I’m buying local. I’m going to enjoy the experience these amazing businesses have to offer and I’m going to make damn sure they are still here when the economy recovers.
Will you join me? Even if you can’t afford to always buy local, share your favourite small businesses on social media. Every bit helps!
Right now, there is no more important time to shop and share local businesses!
Posted here are just a few of my faves in YQR and area.