The Gift of Growth: How You Can Support Small Businesses this Festive Season

The festive season has arrived, and with it comes the tradition of giving gifts to our loved ones, extra treats and experiences to immerse ourselves in. While big retailers often dominate the market during this time, I would highly encourage you not to forget about small businesses that could use our support now more than ever.

How do you get started?

Have you checked out your local area? Have you asked in local noticeboards if anyone local offers what you need? If you are in business yourself, are you asking in your network?

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, providing employment opportunities and unique products or services. However, they have been hit hard by the unusual peaks and troughs in the economy due to so much uncertainty internationally, with many struggling to stay in growth and even stay open. As we approach Christmas, it is important to think about how we can support these businesses and help them survive during these challenging times.

Instead of turning to online retailers or big-box stores, consider buying gifts from small independent businesses in your community. Not only will you be supporting your local economy, but you may also find one-of-a-kind gifts that cannot be found anywhere else.

Practising what I preach!

So far this festive season I have shopped with Karen from The Clay Conifer from Longwood, County Meath, Caroline from Hawthorn Healing in Enfield, Co. Meath, I have ordered some gifts from a small eco-friendly toy business in County Tipperary called Jiminy Eco Toys.

I have purchased wooden decorations from Butterflie Crafts and also from Enfield, Co. Meath, I have bought clay and art supplies in a local store in Edenderry, County Offaly. We will buy our meat in the local Bergin's store, a family-owned and run business. We have ordered our Vegetable boxes from an organic farm in Galway called Green Earth Organics, also family-owned.

We have bought our fresh coffee beans from a coffee shop in Edenderry called Coffee Forty7 that roasts their own beans. I have booked on to a wellbeing evening for the Winter Solstice with 2 ladies I met through a networking community for women that I host in my area- Joanne of The Moon Tribe and Laura from The Barley Moon.

I know there will be outings to local restaurants and our nearest pub/clubhouse which is also family-run. I have ordered an electric wax warmer from Éalú Candles in Kilcock, County Kildare, as I don't like candles or flames at home and I have seen her online making the product and what goes in them and more importantly what doesn't!

I have purchased new lipstick from AYU make up also based in Kilcock and Clane in County Kildare. I ordered some games from Karen at Little Mouse Publishing in Roscommon. I hope to purchase even more if I can from as local or as small as I can to support those I know it matters most to.

Yes, some things I have needed to order from some larger retailers online but they were not my first port of call, and I purchased there after I checked locally what I could get. You can do the same, you can even ask on your social media or in Whatsapp chats with other parents for recommendations. I bet you will be surprised how many of them also have businesses you can support.

What if I am not buying?

You can also show support by spreading the word about these businesses when you visit. Share their social media posts, leave positive reviews on their pages, and tell your friends and family about them. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and by promoting small businesses, you are helping them reach a wider audience and potentially gain new customers.

Besides shopping and spreading the word, you could consider purchasing gift cards from small businesses too. This not only provides them with immediate income but also encourages future business. You can also opt for virtual services or online orders if the business offers them.

Why else should you buy from small businesses?

You cannot underestimate the impact your purchases and shoutouts have on the mental well-being of small business owners, truly for me, this is one of the biggest reasons to do what you can by engaging and sharing even if you cannot buy from them at this time. I cannot stress how often I see the joy it brings when my amazing community of women in business have a purchase made by someone new, and even better a repeat purchase and shoutouts.

Have a little patience...

Finally, be understanding and patient with small businesses during this busy season. They may have limited staff or resources, so delays or mishaps may occur. At the end of the day, we are human too. Remember that your support and understanding can go a long way in helping these businesses thrive.

This festive season, let's make a conscious and concerted effort not forget about the small businesses that make our communities unique. By supporting them, we are not only contributing to their success but also investing in the future of our local economy. You are supporting local families and don’t forget what goes around comes around too.
So as you make your Christmas shopping list, don't forget to add some love for small businesses too, you can make their year.

And hey, why not check out my business too! 

Aislíng