This year, for so many reasons, it’s more important than ever to shop local and shop small to support locally-owned business. Shop Small is a nationwide movement to celebrate small businesses. The term was originally coined by American Express in association with shopping on Nov 29, the day after Black Friday. But over the years, American Express not withstanding, it has evolved to mean shopping with any small locally owned business at the holidays or any time of the year. You can Shop Small and therefore support any locally-owned business from cookie bakers to hardware stores to clothing and home decor outlets, no matter where you live.
For me, these are words to live by. I’ve been spreading this mantra for years, in regards to food products and grocery items. Promoting local farmers and makers markets and farm stores has become a day-to-day mantra for me.
If you’re feeling tempted to let a big-box cart do the heavy lifting this year, consider this your reminder that shopping locally can provide a delightful holiday season detour for your designated shopping dollars.
How to Shop Small and Support Local
This year, in particular I encourage you to skip the corporate-owned big box stores. Even though they may carry a local product or two, in so many cases they are just middle men. And they take a percentage of profits away from local producers – both online and when you shop in person. They say its the cost of doing business, but, instead of paying the price, you can help local producers and business pocket those fees and continue to thrive.
Shop small also includes small business and entrepreneurs that are not necessarily in your area, but for me, supporting local small businesses is key.
Start your shopping adventures here. Go directly to the source: the farmer, the producer or the maker. To my readers here in North Carolina, across the country and around the world, let this article be your inspiration to Shop Locally and Shop Small at home, no matter where that is, and shop with local businesses as you travel, too.
Organize a Shop Local, Shop Small Flash Mob of Friends
Don’t like shopping alone? Go with a group and make an even bigger impact. Organize a small “flash mob” of friends or neighbors at any small locally-owned shop, business or holiday shopping event. Its tons of fun and a great way to be together with friends. Go in as a group to shop. You will make a huge impact and come away with lots of cool gifts. Then, continue the fun times together. Follow your shopping adventure with time to share all you found. Make lunch, dinner drinks or coffee at a locally owned restaurant or bakery a part of the plan.
Your “mob” will have more impact if you go together to a local shop or bakery. But, lots of local events this time of year, also make for great venues for your flash mob shopping group.
Here’s a Short List of Charlotte Area Places to start Shopping Small
- The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Christmas Market, held at both Olde Meck locations weekends through December 19-21.
- Area farmers markets ( most open on Saturdays) like the Charlotte Regional Market, The Uptown Farmers Market, The Matthews Market, The Davidson Market, The South End Market. & The Waxhaw Farmers Market;
- A series of smaller markets run by The Farm at Dover Vineyards called, The Neighborhood Farmers Market with locations across the city at other places to Shop Local, as well. Find market times and days here. They are at Local Loaf in Noda, The Common Market in Plaza Midwood, the Rhino Market in West Charlotte; and The Everyday Market in LoSo (that’s Lower Southend)
- Also check out local farm stores like Coddle Creek Farms in Mooresville, The Farm at Dover Vineyards in Concord, The Mecklenburg County Market in Charlotte, and Barbee Farms in Concord for local produce, proteins and more.
- The Mint Museum Gift Shop is another great Charlotte hidden shopping gem
- And, check out shopping and market areas at Free Range Brewing in Charlotte’s Noda Neighborhood; Mano Bella Artisan Foods in Southpark and all three locations of Pasta & Provisions
- Shop small at The Market at 7th Street. There is 90 mins free parking if you make a purchase. I recommend The Assorted Table Wine Shop and Orrmans Cheese Shop as a can’t miss duo if you are wanting to give gifts of wine and cheese!
Do you have a favorite creator you follow on social media? Find out what services or items they have for sale and gift those to friends, family or to yourself. Remember, they are small businesses, too.
You can make a Difference for local Virtual Shops and Online Creators, too!
While we’re on the subject of shopping small. Let me slip in a little love note to a few friends in an international crew of creators I’m lucky enough to work alongside. They each bring something delightfully different to the table. Their offerings make for fabulous gifts, clever stocking stuffers, or just-because treats for you.
All small creators, from around the world, all doing meaningful work, and all well worth a follow. #TellThemHeidiSentYou
- Think smart cleanup tips and organizing inspiration at Simply Sorted with Myrna Noddin Bona Most of Myrna’s magic happens On Instagram here.
- Virtual strength-building classes, coaching and feel-good movement for your bones from Antonia Boulton at Essentially Health Coach.
- This is the perfect gift for any animal lover. Virtually adopt a donkey in Australia (yes, really. And yes, it’s adorable) with Pam Pratt at Rose Haven Farms.
- Charming monthly letters that read like a time-traveling peek into old Northeastern Australia from Kym Hughes at The Dear Viv Letters
- Fresh wardrobe magic and “shop your closet” style support from Cindy Blakely of Ms. B Styling
- Book-coaching brilliance for the writer in your life from author and book coach Nita Collins
- Are you, or do you know a women 40+ on your list, launching a business or diving into the social-media deep end? Then, don’t miss out on the warm-hearted, whip-smart guidance of Krista Smith of Activate Your Awesome. She is the reason I know all of these women and her program is amazing.
You can Shop Small Online, too!
If you are shopping online, be sure you are buying direct from the producer or local business. Can’t buy from them right now? Simply write a review, “Like”, comment, share their posts and sign up for their newsletters.
I know it seems like nothing; but it really makes a difference. Recommend your faves in your social media stories and help them spread the word.
For a local business owner, your support means more than ever this year. You shopping dollars will stay in your community, your city or your state. You’ll be fostering community, building relationships; and more than you know, you’ll be making a difference in someone’s life.
Support Local Business this Holiday Season
It’s really pretty easy to shop small and its tons of fun. And, you can do it no matter where you are or no matter where you live. And, no matter where you travel. Plus, I can almost guarantee you will find something special for everyone on your list. The concept is a simply one and your Shopping Dollars stay in your community. Look for local pop-up holiday markets and shopping events hosted by local business. If shopping online is a do or die for you, you can still shop small and local.
Case in point: NC wineries, meaderies and cideries. You’ll find the list of all of them, with links to shop, here. They all have online stores which means you can let your fingers to the walking across your keyboard. Need some suggestions? Read about 30 + NC wines, in particular that we featured on the Got To Be NC Cooking Stage at the NC State Fair this year, here.
Almost all North Carolina wineries offer experiences of tastings and tours, and many also have lodging. All of which which make for great gifts and a wonderful way to give the gift of travel and time with the people you care about. How many times have you said, ” Let’s catch up soon” to a friend or relative. Now, is that time to get plans going.
Make reservations at locally-owned restaurants; get tickets to locally-run events, concerts or performances or plan a day trip, or 3-day weekend getaway.
More Ways to Shop and Support Small Businesses
For tons of local Made in NC specialty products, from sauces to syrups,and ham to honey, isit the NC Specialty Foods site, for a great list of all of their members.
And then, follow me on my instagram feed, Facebook page or my You Tube channel. You can watch my fun Eat and Shop Local Car Confession Videos for even more shopping ideas every week.
Begin by scrolling though the eat and drink local posts on this blog – here are several you might want to start with:
And even though this Shop Small NC cheese makers post, is dated…
The recipes are some of my faves and all of the Western North Carolina cheesemakers noted in the article would love to be on your holiday charcuterie board.
It’s Easy to Support Small Business and Drink Locally All At the Same Time
Raise a glass and shop for the holidays for local spirits in your area. A bottle of someone’s favorite pour always makes for great gift. It’s also a wonderful way to stock your holiday bar. From locally owned breweries – in almost every town in North Carolina – to locally owned distilleries across the state, you are sure to find something you love. And when you go out to eat, look for local spirits at the restaurant’s bar and on every cocktial menu.
A Sip of Local Love in North Wilkesboro NC
Recently, Tom and I took a three day weekend trip to Wilkes County. As a part of the adventure, we went on a fabulous food tour of North Wilkesboro. I’ll be writing more about the evening we spent on the Blue Ridge Food Tour with our host Mya Baynes. It was tons of fun, and as it happened I ran into a lot of old friends. Two were owners of local restaurants in North Wilkesboro where drinking local is super simple. I’ll be writing about the whole trip soon; but next time you are in North Wilkesboro, be sure to check out Cinder Bistro and Ce La Vin Wine & Provisions to drink locally. Also, while I have you, don’t miss the collard dip to start at Cinder, its a must try for sure.
Shop Small for the Art of It
You might recall reading my recent post about a visit to Burnsville NC. Another perfect example of a way to support local business, is to support local artits and artisans. This time in a Western North Carolina town still in recovery mode after Hurricane Helene. They are ready for you to visit. Plan to make it an overnight and stay at one of my favorite spots, the NuWray Hotel, to make the adventure even more special.
Go to shop all of the cute shops on Burnsville’s Main Street and eat at local restaurants. I’ve written a lot about Root Down Food Truck in Burnsville where the menu features great locally-sourced bites.
But while you are in town, don’t miss coffee and the fresh-baked cookies at Appalachian Java.
Grab a seat at the bar or a table in the dining room at Live Oak Gastropub and don’t miss the caviar topped Fried Deviled Eggs, the smoked trout dip or the Trout BLT! Pictured, in that order, above.
Go to Pig & Grits for the BBQ topped Macaroni and Cheese, yes, please! And/Or, stop for pizza and a local brew or cider at Homeplace Beer Company.
And, while you are in the area, buy from the many amazing local glass, pottery and metal artisans here. Details here and to follow; and stay tuned, there is more to come.
Meantime, Events Worth Mentioning
In Burnsville this month.. The NuWray is hosting, an interactive dinner theatre experience, in cooperation with the Parkway Playhouse on December 15 & 16 with 5 & 7:30 pm showings. You can get tickets here.
Also, plan on visiting for the annual Burnsville Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6, the Merry Main Street shopping event on Friday, December 12.
Don’t miss the Gather shopping event at Hearth Glass in Burnsville on December 6. This event featuring lots of area artisans you will want to know.