It’s common to walk past a local shop, think to yourself about the great things you’ve heard about it, and contemplate checking it out…only to go home and purchase similar items on Amazon. Although there is a peculiar sort of indolent allure to buying items from a swivel chair, it’s easy to miss out on the benefits to yourself in terms of products and experience and creating a stronger community. To close out July, Independent Retailer Month, we highlight how you can benefit from buying from small businesses and the ways you can find awesome shops.
In addition to the fact that shopping locally is great for the instant gratification of not having to wait for 1-3 days for your Amazon package to arrive, keeping purchases in your town has many benefits to the community and economy.
61% of shoppers buy from independent retailers because of the unique array of products[1]. Many businesses started by looking at community needs and creating something to fill that need.
Ryan Waggoner of Salsa Bliss started Salsa Bliss, after traveling and coming back to Lenawee, he found that all the salsas were very similar and laden with sugar and preservatives, inspiring him to start his own salsa business with different salsa varieties.
Jay and Gwynne Marks started The Marks Trading Company from the realization there was a lack of naturally sourced spices and seasonings after a family taco night when their daughter tried to read the ingredients on the taco seasoning package but could not pronounce them. Jay also tried but found the packet was comprised of difficult-to-pronounce ingredients. This realization inspired them to fill that need by creating natural spices, rubs, and baking supplies. The Marks Trading Company Opened its storefront in 2022 and has been enjoying a great deal of success.
Many individuals say buying in their town provides a more innovative shopping experience. Local retailers emphasize customer interactions, so you don’t have to trek through endless box store isles and read countless conflicting reviews to find the item you’re seeking. The nature of independent retailers allows them to create a tailored experience around their shop, as they have the freedom to choose an appealing store layout and the expertise to help patrons find exactly what they need.
Business owners go about this in a variety of different ways. For instance, Michelle Beechler, owner of Tink and the Frog Yarn Shop, created an entire community around fiber arts through classes, and social stitching. Other businesses have unique takes on creating experiences, such as the Hang Loose Boutique, in the way they provide customer experience through displays of colorful hand-crafted items, friendly service, and their hair salon. Service and staff are things most commonly mentioned when people share what they like about so many of Lenawee’s businesses.
Supporting the county’s businesses does not have to be a costly endeavor. There are several easy ways to find great shops and support local businesses.
- Visit Lenawee has a list of shops for all interests on their website.
- The County has a myriad of fun community events, that feature local businesses. Adrian’s First Fridays provide an enjoyable way to peruse a lot of local shops. Also, tickets are now available for Taste of Lenawee, an experience to try out various businesses in the food industry.
- Farmer’s Markets: have more than fresh garden produce. At the Tecumseh, Manitou Beach, and Adrian Farmers Markets, you can find bakeries, boutiques, and more.
- You can support shops without spending a dime. Following small businesses on social, emailing, and leaving reviews can be incredibly useful.
[1] Shepherd, Maddie. “Local Shopping Statistics: Facts on Buying Local – Fundera Ledger.” www.fundera.com, Jan. 2023, www.fundera.com/resources/local-shopping-statistics.