Supporting Independent Boutiques and Brands
As much as I want to see Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Target and other large retailers thrive, I much prefer to hear about the local stores in my neighborhood doing well. This is also true regarding brands that are independently owned and operated. Unfortunately, the reality is that independent retailers and wholesalers aren’t doing well for the most part. So what can we each do to help?
After visiting one of my favorite Chicago neighborhoods today, Old Town, I saw that many store windows were filled with “For Rent” signs versus product displays. Some of the best boutiques in Chicago are now gone! As much as I know this is our reality, I still couldn’t believe it. I just didn’t want to. It crossed my mind that rather than buying three sweaters recently at Macy’s on sale I could have bought one fabulous sweater at a now closed boutique AND more importantly supported an independent store. Shame on me! I remembered the local craft show I recently attended and felt a little better, as well as the neighborhood market I buy my groceries at even though I know I could get them for less at a chain store. Okay – so I am not that terrible. But I need to step it up a notch and I will. Promise.
It’s important for us to remember each other during these tough times. Don’t just sell your product / service, but shop it, too. We are all in this together and need to be there for each other in order to survive the challenges we will inevitably face as small business owners. Whether you are a retailer or wholesaler, you are also a consumer. We all are. If you are already supporting independent retailers and wholesalers, THANK YOU! But if you have fallen into the enticing traps of big box retailers with their sales and endless coupons, consider your shopping alternatives next time you need or want to make a purchase. Then think about your community, your local store owner friends, the wholesalers you know doing it all on their own and your own business. Will your decision be the same? Having made a recent purchasing mistake, I can assure you mine won’t. Next time, it’s local and independently owned only.
Do you have ways you are keeping your business above retail’s shallow waters? Are you shopping local despite sales elsewhere? What are you doing to save money yet still spending money? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know!
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Marialexandra
Thank you for this post. I agree and am a firm believer what goes around comes around, and that includes your purchases. I pay full price because I want others to pay full price for my work, that way we all support each other.
Sara
I appreciate this post! I work for an independent retailer and know that it is not pretty right now with everything that is going on. If only there were more people like you out there! Thank you again for thinking about local retailers. Have a wonderful day!
Andy Handmade Galleries LA
Right on! As an independent retailer of 14 years going on 15 I can say thank you for this post. The urge to get more for less is within us all, but looking at the big picture you are only hurting yourself in the long run. Don’t beat yourself up. You know now and can move forward spending consciously.
Katy
I love this article! Since this whole economic run down has started, my husband and I are getting to be very conscious of where our dollar is being spent. Down to where we buy our kitty litter. There is a local independent shop where it is about $1 more, but we buy it there instead of the big grocery chain because the small shops REALLY need it more than the others. I also work at a small art gallery that maybe closing next month due to the slow traffic. For example a gentlemen came in and was admiring a stunning piece of hand blown glass that retailed for $325, we have it at an additional 30% off, and he still was, and I quote “I really wasn’t wanting to pay that much” even after the almost $100 off, this is art people! Come on, hand blown glass, he should have realized a steal when he had it and took the amazing deal. Anyways, people are just holding onto their dollar and not supporting local businesses like they should. We all need to be more aware of where we spend out dollar and who would benefit most by it. I love what you said about 3 sweaters on sale from Macys, could have got you one great sweater from a locally owned boutique. great point and well stated. I know when the holiday season comes around again, it will be independent boutiques and Etsy.com shopping for me.
That is my 2 cents and I will shut up now.
Katy at south paw studios jewelry in Toledo ,Ohio
EnMartian
I think this is so true. We employ people in six states and the only way those people stay employed is if we make sales. We’re not yet the first name in mind when it comes to embroidery thread, but our thread is awesome and it’s well worth the cost as our the other supplies we sell.
Sometimes it takes a bit more effort to buy local or buy independent, but the results are worth it.
Michelle
This was an excellent read this morning with my cup of joe. I agree whole heartedly…..!
Simone
Independent retailers (and I am one) need to keep in mind, though, that nobody (including ourselves) is going to shop anywhere out of the “goodness of their hearts” or “to help the economy”. There must be something in it for them.
Dept stores and big chains are offering big discounts these days, even on brand new merchandise. The indepent retailer usually cannot match these prices. The independ retailer must attract and keep customers with SERVICE, CONVENIENCE, with uniqueness and creativity.
I need to offer a reason for people to shop at my store instead of heading to the mall. Gymboree has cute clothes too and there is always a sale going on! I on the other hand, remember people’s names and their kids how old they are, and what they like (I write it all down!). I gift wrap, I ship, and I bent over backwards to please my customers, hoping they will come back and spread the word about my store.
As I consumer, I expect no less from the stores I patronize — the supermarket, Macys, or specialty boutiques. I can’t affored to shop just anywhere to help the economy. I have to shop where it helps ME. Offer a reason for your customer to help you!
Nicole Reyhle
I love hearing from everyone regardig this post!
Simone – I absolutely agree with you that customers need to want to shop with you for a reason, not just because you are an indepenedent store. Recent posts I have written support this, inlcuding “#1 Thing Indepenedents Can Do To Compete Against Big Box Retailers” and “Boutique Extras”, which are archived if you want to check these out. https://retailminded.com/blog/?page_id=341
I have certainly shopped at independent stores where I haven’t felt that they deserved the support I was giving them by being a faithful customer. And you know what? I don’t return to those independent shops anymore. After a few visits if the customer service is still poor at best, I check them off of my must visit list. Independent stores need to remember they are not just competing with big box retailers – they are competing with each other, too! How each particular store represents themselves, their product, and their customers are ultimately the deciding factors as to which independent I shop versus another. For example – there are two dog stores in my neighborhood with the same dog food for my pup, but I go to the one that gives my dog a treat every time we go in and remembers my dogs name, favorite food, and more. In addition, it’s a pleasure to go there because they greet us with a smile and care.
Thanks again to everyone for your fabulous feedback! Keep it coming!