Happy Dance

Happy Dance

Over the past few weeks it feels like I’ve been inundated with news stories about shopping early, panicked buying to avoid empty shelves and images of container ships waiting to unload goods. I fully understand that we live in a global economy and the ripple effect of the global pandemic on our shared health (physical and financial) is still happening. I’m just not sure I want to lean into the hype.

Small business owners are not immune from those global challenges, we have makers who struggled to get jars for their lotions, tins for their teas or paper for their prints. We’re all facing staffing challenges and having to navigate the nuances of mask wearing and vaccine statuses. I often say that small business ownership is not for the faint of heart, the last 18 months has amplified those challenges and unfortunately a lot of well loved businesses have closed their doors. But, many more of us have figured out ways to adapt, to lean into the challenge and to thrive. This holiday season, be intentional with your buying power, it matters more than your realize!

Here’s my list of 5 reasons to shop small this season:

1. You’re supporting your friends and neighbors! Community matters, and however you define your community….find businesses that speak to it and give them your support.
2. Buying local fuels the local economy. Your dollars stay where you spend them, and that in turn puts dollars back into another local business.
3. The shopping experience will be less stressful and more personal. Chances are you’ll have smaller crowds and people who are happy to help you find what you need.
4. You get to know the story behind the product! From book reviews, to the perfect gift for your ‘hard to buy for’ family member, to the best skincare for your body….we know our product line better than anyone!
5. “When you buy from a small business an actual person does a little happy dance.” The adage is true.

As we head into Thanksgiving next week, I am thankful for the opportunity that Taken provides to our makers, our team and to my family. This holiday season, I will be shopping small, shopping local, and doing a happy dance each time you do the same!

xo
Vanessa