When Black Friday Comes, Small = BIG

Support Small Business

This year, when you're shopping for gifts for the holidays I challenge you.  It's a simple challenge really. I challenge you to think about where you're spending money and spend it where it makes the most difference. Are you spending it in big box stores on items that are mass manufactured? Are you spending it with big brands that have entire marketing machines working on their behalf?  Or, are you spending it with small businesses who put their profits toward paying their mortgages and grocery bills? Or are you spending it with companies whose CEOs are using the profits your money helps create to increase their 6 figure bonus again this year? Are you spending it with people who handcraft their products with love? Are you spending it with companies that import the cheapest product they can find to make the biggest profit? How are you going to spend your hard earned money this year? What will your gift giving say about you?

via bates mercantile co.

That's not to say there isn't a place for larger companies. They do employ many people. However, there a plenty of times when you can support them throughout the year. At holiday time, if it's important for you to give a gift that really has meaning and thought behind it, think small.

On Black Friday there are many, many small independently owned shops selling on venues like etsy who handcraft items from hats, aprons, journals, photographs, prints, jewelry, furniture and so much more. If you're looking for something with a little bit of history too it, there are plenty of vintageers selling unique gifts that have a story to tell.

via bates mercantile co.

Before you hit the checkout button, or before you hand your money over at the cash register, just stop and think about the difference your purchase can make to a small shop owner.

I. for one, will be focusing all of my shopping on SMALL=BIG this year.

Our little etsy shop, Bates Mercantile Co. is offering 20% Off archival prints, photographs, calendars and stationery today for Black Friday.  Simply enter ThankYou20 at checkout for the 20% discount on those items. There are many others small shop owners who are offering deep discounts as well. There are lots of shops linking up their sales on our facebook page, so if you want to support the small shop/handmade/vintage movements and really make a difference to someones bottom line, check out all these sales!  If you're a shop, be sure to link up your shop and post your sales. Let's all help each other out this year and start a Small=Big Wave.  You'll find that when you spend your money with a small business, more times than not, they take the time to give you the customer service you deserve, package your item with extra care, and do whatever they can to let you know that your business means a lot. All good reasons to shop small.

Giving Thanks

I trust that all of you in the U.S. had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was a perfectly glorious day late Fall day here. The leaves may be gone for the most part, but there are still beautiful views to be had.

via bates mercantile co.

Ours was grand.

Freeform Friday

Here's something that should get you moving.  Just a little message from all us small shop owners.  Click here if you're reading via email.

Peace out,