Big Box Stores are Going to be Okay, But Your Local, Small Businesses May Not.
2020 has been a challenge to say the least - and I know I am not alone in feeling this.
As a businesses owner (and mom…but I won’t even go into that right now), 2020 has been filled with a lot of anxiety and worry. It’s been a tough year for Bird’s Tail. And just typing that makes me uncomfortable.
A large part of our small business - and SO many others - involves selling at in-person markets and events, and virtually all of our events have been canceled. Without that face-to-face meeting and touching of the pieces, trying them on, we have had by far fewer sales this year and it’s had me feeling pretty down. Not to mention the lack of interaction with all of you is pretty depressing.
Small businesses all over the country are being hit hard right now; in fact, 31% of small businesses in the U.S. are currently not operational due to some sort of impact from the Coronavirus pandemic. Small businesses have always been an integral part of our economy and community.
Yes - Amazon is great, but shopping small has a much larger impact
Now -I know we all love a good Amazon purchase - I know I get a bit giddy when I see that truck dropping off my packages. But, Amazon is not likely to re-invest in your community or donate to your local charity and school organizations. Small businesses are doing all of these things and more.
Small businesses like ours have a story behind them. Picture early mornings, long days, and late nights of working hard to make their dream come true. Small businesses don’t happen overnight. They take time and effort and passion.
When you choose to shop small, your purchase truly means something to the owner and the employees. Your purchase is special, and I can tell you from experience that someone (me!) really does do a happy dance every time someone makes a purchase.
At Bird’s Tail we pay special attention to detail in each of our pieces. Every single piece is handmade. You know someone took the time to create and produce the piece you’re wearing. And that it was not made in a factory. That’s what makes shopping small so beautiful.
“You can’t buy love, but you can buy handmade and that’s basically the same thing.” — Unknown
Small businesses provide a sense of community and the money you spend at a small business usually stays right in your community. Here’s how Bird’s Tail is committed to giving back. Strengthening our fellow neighbors and businesses is vital right now. People are hurting and under a vast amount of stress.
So, let’s rally around our local businesses — makers, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops — by carefully and consciously choosing where to spend our dollars this holiday season. Bottom line is, your big box stores are going to be okay, but your local, small businesses may not.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your support of Bird’s Tail. I know we will come through this stronger because of all of you. The act of simply writing all of this down, has helped me take a step in the right direction.
Sending my love to each of you.