Small Business Saturday | Reasons to Shop Local this Christmas

We have all heard of Black Friday & Cyber Monday but there's one day I'll be marking on my calendar this year for many more reasons than just the chance to grab a bargain, Small Business Saturday. I have always been a big supporter of handmade products and independent sellers so when Fundera asked me to show my support for Small Business Saturday and buy locally this Christmas, I jumped at the chance to share my favourite local shops.

There's something magical about finding that unique gift or handmade present on your doorstep. I am lucky enough to live in the small Lancashire town of Clitheroe which is full of independently owned, clothing boutiques and homeware shops (scroll down to see my top 6 shops to visit in Clitheroe). But in a world of online shops and high street giants it can sometimes seem like the easier and safer option to shop at these stores than to consider buying closer to home. So why should we make an effort this Small Business Saturday to change our shopping habits?

Small Business Saturday is a great way of reminding people to make a conscious effort to help out the local community and buy from smaller retailers. I love walking around my town and seeing a diverse high street full of successful store owners and food restaurants thriving. But they are often threatened by larger nationwide stores trying to control shopping in towns like mine. Small businesses bring jobs and money into the community as they are started by local entrepreneurs, families or friends who support one another and help each other grow.  

Independent shops are often treasure troves to find the unique gift that know one will have this Christmas. I am all about non mass produced and handmade this year and willing to spend a little more time and money looking for that special something, small businesses are my first stop for the quirky one off present.

If there aren't any local businesses on your doorstep, why not head online and support makers and sellers? There are loads of platforms that promote small business online where you can find homeware, fashion and stationary. Here are my top 3 online:

Etsy
Folksy
Not On The Highstreet

It doesn't have to be just this Saturday either, as Christmas approaches plenty of craft fairs will be popping up across the country giving you a chance to buy something unique from makers and sellers in your area. 

Head to Facebook to find your nearest Etsy Made Local fair here or if you live in the North West here is a list of local fairs coming up. I'll be heading to Preston on the 3rd of December for the Etsy Made Local event in the market place.

 

So pledge your support for Small Business Saturday, even if it's just a something small like a home made mince pie from the butchers, this Saturday spread the love and buy locally, handmade or online to help grow your local community this Christmas.

Will you be pledging your support this Saturday? Where are your favourite places to shop locally? I would love to here you thoughts in the comments below. 

Small Business Saturday is on the 26th of November for the US and 3rd December in the UK this year, and if you're looking for some more resources about how to support small business, check out Fundera's website here.

In my local area? Here are my top 6 shops to visit in Clitheroe:

Seasons,14-16 King St, Clitheroe  

Mondo, 10 Castle Gate, Clitheroe 

La Tete Et Tout, 22 Moor Lane 

Lulu Browns, 17 Accrington Road Whalley 

The Emporium, Moor Lane, Cltheroe 

  

Anna 

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