2020 is hitting us all a bit differently, especially during the holidays. With the pandemic going on, unemployment is up and it’s harder to find a job all around. Many countries are on lockdown or in some type of quarantine – which limits us on what we can do and who we can contact. All of this is completely understandable.
A global pandemic, like the one we are experiencing, is something we were not properly prepared for. That’s why this year, we would like to share different ways to support others for Christmas – specifically small businesses.
HOW TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES
Now, we would like to say the first, most obvious way to support a small business would be to shop at one. Instead of hitting up your local stores like Target or ordering a gift from Amazon, take a look at your local small businesses or perhaps search for one on Etsy.
Many people make their income from their small business. In normal years, it might have been easier for them to make money, but with Covid, traffic is down and it’s harder to stay afloat. People have their whole life attached to their business. Shop small before you shop big.
There are also other ways to support said small businesses for those who can’t afford to shop this year and still want to help in some way. You definitely can and it’s easier than you think. Social media is a great place to start. Many businesses use social media to spread awareness of what is going on with their business. If you see a post, share it, comment on it or simply like it. Engagement drives up traffic and it brings more eyes towards their business.
Another thing you can do is leave a review. It doesn’t have to be for something that you recently bought, just something that you have bought from them or maybe an experience you have had with them. You would be surprised at how many people won’t shop at a small business that doesn’t have a review or has negative ones. They make an impact.
This last one is simple. Respect their time and prices they have set. If you purchase something, don’t get angry if it isn’t delivered or shipped within the designated time frame. Covid is around and there is only so much within their control. Owners are doing the best they can with what they have. If you don’t agree with the price either, don’t get angry or try to haggle it down. Be respectful. This business is their livelihood and they are just struggling to survive like the rest of us. If you can’t afford it, support them in one of the other ways listed.
OUR FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESSES
Since Christmas time is here, we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite small businesses with you, straight from the Fangirlish team. If you are looking for a gift, go check them out!
McKenzie: I’ve just opened my own shop on Etsy called Litlore. We have a few different sticker designs and currently one enamel pin design up for sale. It’s been a fun side gig for me to earn some extra money and sell things on subjects I love.
Julie: My brother owns a comic book store called Rad Raptor Comics and he also has a Patreon for the shop with lots of geeky podcasts exclusives for their subscribers. It’s helped them stay afloat during the pandemic.
Gillian: Blissfully Bookish Tees has some of the best design merchandise for your favorite book series from Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas, Jay Kristoff, and many others. They have branched out this year with spirit jerseys, hats, and joggers, and also offer custom-made orders if you want more than just t-shirts.
Lyra: HolevinskiHouse on Etsy has been a god send when it comes to comfortable masks. Not only are they cute (there’s a Baby Yoda one!) they don’t make my glasses fog up! The metal nose piece is perfect for contouring around your nose. And every single time I’ve ordered from them they have been nice, precise, and on point!
Ariann: I have a friend called Cassandra and she makes lovely hand-made T-shirts as well as painted objects like mirrors, skateboards, jackets, etc. Her art is a fun combination between cute pastel colors and weird creatures. (Cassandra’s Shop)
I’d also like to promote my art commissions as I offer digital family portraits for Christmas! (Ariann Art Instagram)
Jasmine: I love The Ripped Bodice bookstore in Culver city owned by sisters Leah and Bea Koch. What makes this store so special is that it sells nothing but romance books. It’s one of the only stores that does this and that’s pretty awesome. Their shop is so cozy and once you get a chance to step inside, it’s a magical place. Check out their website where you can order books, bookish swag, and they just added book subscription boxes!
Another small business I love is Book Beau. They’re a company that specializes in book sleeves that are designed to protect your books when you’re on the go. I am absolutely OBSESSED with them and have about 5 of them already. The best part is, they finally come with zippers so you can really seal your books inside. I can’t believe how long it took me to invest in them because they’re great!
Remember, you can do many different things to help small businesses with or without purchasing anything. What they need more than anything is your continued support.
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