Small businesses need you now more than ever
Hip Hip Hooray! It’s coming up to the festive season, and restrictions are lifting. We're almost out of the woods; we're opening back up and getting back to real life. We can see the people closest to us, give them a hug, share a coffee, and spend quality time together.
Let’s be honest; most of us are tired of reading blog posts that start with anything to do with how Covid has affected the world. BUT, it has been our reality for such an extended amount of time. It has moulded and influenced businesses massively, continues to do so, and will have far-reaching effects for years to come.
So, while we’re on the topic of festivities and spending precious time with friends and family, let’s chat about how you can help your favourite local businesses thrive in this transition back to a relative state of normal :)
- Shop Local
If you have the means and are starting to think about shopping for the festive season, ditch the big names. They have big backers that will keep them afloat. Your local, independent clothing, grocery or toy store, however, does not have that luxury. You are their safety blanket and their life raft.
The small, independent businesses in your community are owned by people who pour their hearts and souls into what they do. They have worked so hard to stay afloat over the last 2 years; let's make the next 2 years their best yet!
- Share, Share, Share
If things are tight financially, but you still want to support your local stores, the best thing you can do is share their details with your friends, family and followers on all your social media platforms. Follow them, tag them in your photos and stories, share their stories and posts on your pages, and ask your nearest and dearest to do the same. Any publicity you can give them is helpful and so appreciated.
- Write A Review
If you've shopped with them before and loved your purchase or your experience, let people know. Complete that 5-minute survey that appears in your inbox, hop onto Google and give them that 5-star review that you've been meaning to do for months. Tell people why you love those stores, what you thought of your experience while you were there, anything that stood out.
Google rankings are gold for small businesses. The more you visit their site, share their information and give them good reviews, the more likely they are to be seen and discovered by others.
Those are just three ways to help out; there are so many more. Maybe you have some free time, and your favourite local store needs a volunteer to help out over the festive season. Or, perhaps you run your own small business that could benefit from collaborating with another start-up in the area. Whatever it is, whatever you can do, let’s lean into the season of giving and help our neighbours at a time when they need it most.
On that note, if you're looking for a fantastic present for the children in your life, look no further than Buckle My Shoe. We have stylish, supportive shoes for the whole family, gorgeous wooden toys, and lightweight and beautifully designed clothes, perfect for the hot summer weather. Most of the brands are Australian made, using local materials, sustainable and ethical.
With free shipping over $150 Australia-wide, 20% off across the entire store over the festive season, and free gift wrapping for all of your festive gifts, it's the perfect place to find the ideal gift. What are you waiting for? If you’re in the Long Jetty area in NSW, pay our store a visit – it’s a fairytale wonderland. Or, hop online and do all of your festive season shopping from the comfort of your own home.
You can also support Buckle My Shoe by signing up for our newsletter for exclusive news, deals and savings. Or, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates of what's going on in-store and online.
We can't wait to hear from you or see you in-store to help you pick the perfect gifts for your friends and family this festive season.