By Shay Greenwood
Anyone else love the ease of shopping online? I know I do. But, realizing that small businesses and local boutiques are struggling, I want to be more intentional about supporting them and helping our local economy grow. Here are some reasons why it’s important to shop local:
- Connect with your community
Online shopping can feel a bit impersonal — sure, you get your items by a click of the button, but where’s the personal touch? When you visit a local boutique, you get to meet the person behind the products. A friendly chat with the boutique associates or a personalized recommendation makes your shopping experience more memorable.
Just the other day, I asked one of the associates at a local boutique, West Fifty Five in Madison, if it was trendy to wear a leather jacket with leather pants. It was fun to hear her professional opinion. (She said yes but thought it would be more trendy to make sure they are different colors rather than being matchy.)
- Support dreams, not algorithms: Invest in real lives
When you shop online, your money often flows to large corporations rather than the people who live in your community. But when you shop at a local store, your dollars help support someone’s dream. Proverbs 3:27 reminds us, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Shopping locally helps turn those dreams into reality, making your fashion choices a blessing to real people. I want to see the success of others happen in my local community. Don’t you?
Stephanie Harley, owner of Harley Rae in Madison, posted in her Harley Rae VIP group: Big companies won’t notice your purchase over the next couple of months. But small businesses will, and it might even change their life.
- Discover unique treasures with a story
Let’s be honest — online shopping often leads to cookie-cutter looks and forgettable pieces. Local boutiques, on the other hand, offer unique items with character. Think of it as finding a treasure chest of exclusive finds that online retailers can’t match. (Like the cute vegan leather jacket I saw at West Fifty Five this week – I might have to go back and get it.)
- Sustainable style
Online shopping can mean a lot of packaging. Often, that’s not the most eco-friendly choice. Local boutiques, however, frequently focus on sustainability, from minimizing waste to supporting ethical practices. It’s a win for the environment, so why not shop in a way that takes care of our planet?
Next time you’re tempted to fill your cart online, remember that a local boutique might just offer you a shopping experience with more heart, more character, and more joy. Step away from the screen and into a store that’s full of personality and purpose. Happy shopping local!
Shay Greenwood is a wife, mom, and mentor who loves helping women be their best selves! Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @shaygreenwood.