6 Big Reasons Why You Should Shop Small Every Day

Have you ever stopped to imagine what Hawai’i would be like if local shops & businesses were no more?

Coffee shops, hair and nail salons, corner stores, spas, boutique clothing stores, consignment shops, restaurants, craft stores, bars, fruit markets, shoe/bike/tire repair shops, laundromats, art supply stores, gift shops, gas stations, pet stores, and more – all gone.

Our beloved Island’s Aloha Spirit would dwindle significantly, so that’s why we are not only dedicating this blog post to invite you to shop local this Holiday season but ALL year long!

1. Small businesses give back (more) to your community

When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town, city, and neighborhood. Let’s take a look at a personal favorite of ours, Aloha Harvest is the largest food rescue and redistribution organization in Hawaiʻi, getting quality excess food into stomachs instead of landfills. By supporting local restaurants, cafe’s, or even Tropical Moon Events you are contributing to the fight against hunger on ‘Oahu.

2. Small businesses make a major economic impact 

Did you know more than half of the U.S.’s jobs since 1995 were created by small businesses? And according to the SBA, since 1990, big businesses eliminated 4 million jobs, while small businesses added 8 million jobs. The more you shop at a local store, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide.

3. Small businesses provide better customer service 

Small business owners strive to survive and one of the biggest advantages is the ability to provide more personable, hands-on, and memorable customer service. Take the The Sunrise Shack for example, right after a dip in at Sunset Beach you can walk right across the street to enjoy a locally crafted and sourced smoothie bowl in a tropical space to lounge and chat with a friendly faces.

4. Small businesses provide greater access to product diversity  

Small businesses have just as much access to vendors as a big box business does. If a small business doesn’t have the products you want or need, ask them – they’re also usually much more receptive and willing to order them for you. Big Mahalos to shops like Lemuria Crystal Shop for ensuring ethically sources vendors from all over the world when shopping for your newest crystal companion!

5. Small businesses create a sense of community 

You’re much more likely to get to know a small business owner in your neighborhood. If you’re new to the Northshore on ‘Oahu, check out Northshore Marketplace to fully immerse yourself in the local shops & community!

6. You’re going to feel so good!

In closing, would you rather feel the subliminal guilt buying so-so coffee or a lifeless burger, or be entirely satisfied with your latte made with love from Island Vintage Coffee and a bangin’ burger from Kua ‘Aina?

We invite you to ushering in 2022 committing to shopping small all year long!