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Sometimes it's better to think small to make a big impact. BBB encourages communities to come together and support locally-owned small businesses. Many of these stores are yearning for the chance to meet their neighbors, greet new customers and ring up new sales.
BBB offers the following tips to “Shop Small,” any time of the year:
- Research the shops nearest to you. Find out what past customers have to say by reading reviews online, such as those on BBB.org.
- Get involved. Support the businesses that make your hometown unique. Find out what local events are happening in your area by visiting your local chamber of commerce or merchants’ association. Check out American Express's advice on how to Shop Small at ShopSmall.org.
- Sign up for email alerts offered by the merchants in your area. Keep in mind that you’ll probably get additional deals throughout the year.
- Connect with businesses on social media. Many small businesses will advertise their sales via social media.
- Invite your friends and family. Turn this shopping event into a “friends and family” extravaganza! Visit your favorite local stores or explore a new one. Take time to get to know the business owners.
- Don’t just shop retail small, grab takeout from a local restaurant. Many people think that shopping at local retail stores is the only way to participate. However, small independently owned restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops would love to invite in new customers.
- Shop small online, too. Local entrepreneurs may have an online website or Etsy shop that they promote via local social media and word of mouth.
- Share your experience. Take a selfie at your favorite small business. Share it on social media with the hashtags #BBB and #ShopSmall to tell the world you’re a big fan of small businesses. Leave a review on BBB.org.
Read more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.
Learn how to become a BBB Accredited Business.