We’re all guilty of shopping at big box retailers during the holiday season. Their variety of products, fast shipping times, and long return windows make purchasing with them easy. However, it’s vital to give small businesses love this time of year, and Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to make that happen.
Small businesses don’t always have the bandwidth to ship orders instantly and may not have the depth of product to order a gift for everyone on your list. However, you’d be surprised at the many benefits that shopping small brings to you and your neighborhood.
Small Businesses Give Back to Your Community
When you shop at local businesses, you support the city, borough, and neighborhood you live in. Small businesses are paying sales taxes to the borough and city that they’re in. When you shop at big box retailers, this isn’t the case.
Small businesses are also more likely to contribute to local events, such as toy drives, fundraisers, and local events. These contributions help foster local relationships and keep our businesses connected, further deepening our sense of community within our neighborhoods.
Small Businesses Provide Better Customer Service
When you shop locally, you are often working directly with the owner of the brand you are supporting. You develop personal one-on-one relationships with the employees and are often greeted by name.
Owners and employees of small businesses are likely to go above and beyond for their clients. Here at Meg, we take pride in offering alterations and personalized packages. We send reachouts when we know a client would love a new piece, or when we find the perfect top for the pair of pants they purchased last month.
This level of customer service can only be found when you shop small.
Small Businesses Make Products Locally
Small businesses are always looking to collaborate. When you shop small, you foster an environment where businesses can work with local manufacturers, providing handmade and locally made products at their stores.
Many businesses also make products themselves, which can be time and labor-intensive. Supporting their designs encourages them to keep creating what they love and keeps their doors open.
Small Businesses Support Local Jobs
When you shop locally, you’re directly supporting the employees that are helping you. These employees appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you during their shifts. Purchasing at small retailers helps owners provide living wages for their employees.
Small Businesses Provide One-of-a-Kind Gifts
When you shop at big box retailers, you’ll find very little variation in their assortments. When you shop small, you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind gifts for the special people in your life.
From unique dresses and jumpsuits at Meg to handcrafted jewelry or prints made by local artists, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for when you shop small.
Small Businesses We Love:
In Nolita:
Coclico
You may have seen this brand in-store and online at Meg! At Coclico, you'll find in-house-designed shoes for women made from eco-friendly leather and other materials.
275 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
Love Adorned
Another nearby favorite, Love Adorned is a boutique with a selection of fine and vintage jewelry.
269 Elizabeth Street, Nolita, New York, NY
Little Cupcake Bakery
The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Check out Little Cupcake Bakery for cupcakes, puddings, pies & cakes, all made using sustainable ingredients.
30 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
In Boerum Hill:
Page Sargisson
Jewelry is made sustainably from start to finish at Page. While you visit, you can check out their studio that's located right in the back of their Brooklyn shop.
347 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Iris Lingerie
One of our favorite women-owned stores on Atlantic Avenue, this lingerie shop offers bras, nightwear & swimsuits, and is known for its expertise in custom fitting.
323 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Three80atlantic
Finally, a store for men's pieces on Atlantic! This lifestyle store is built around the naturally dyed clothing brand INDI+ASH and the rustic modern ceramics and home goods of KENOZA HOUSE.
380 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201
PORTA
This boutique features European tableware and assorted home furnishings, with a focus on local craft, independent artisans, and everyday use.
360 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201
In Toronto:
Zane
One of the best places for accessories when you need to complete the look. Check out Zane for high-end fashion accessories, including jewelry & handbags.
753 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1
heel boy
Your go-to destination for all things shoes when you're in Toronto. From sandals to boots and everything in-between, they have the styles and brands you love.
773 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1, Canada
White Squirrel Coffee Shop
If you need a pick-me-up while on Queen Street West, check out this cafe serving organic coffee & Greg’s Ice Cream.
907 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G5, Canada