The past few years have altered the way we approach everything from travel to child care. While in some ways, a return to normal is starting to happen, one thing is certain: the way we shop has changed forever.

Now that you know why it’s important to support small businesses, here’s how to do it. There are many ways your dollars can be diverted to small brands, from switching to the independent grocer for your weekly food spend to spreading some love on social media.

1. Actively discover new brands

Take a look around while you’re out walking in your neighborhood. Is there a small lifestyle store you haven’t noticed before? An independent bookshop you haven’t visited? Check with neighbors and review sites to discover local spots that may become your new favorite small business. 

You can also download the Shop App. It not only tracks all your orders from all online stores in one place, it’s also a great way to discover local and curated businesses and get notified when your favorite brands have new products in stock.

2. Buy gift cards

During the pandemic, many businesses pushed gift cards, asking their customers to support them until their doors opened. You can still buy gift cards for yourself for later use. It’s a way to support a business now, even if you don’t need anything.

Gift cards are also a great way to introduce people on your gift list to your favorite small businesses, giving them valuable organic word-of-mouth and a potential new customer.

3. Share your favorite stores in your social networks

Small businesses today are facing increasing competition, higher costs to acquire customers, and lower return on advertising spend. Brands with a small budget rely on their loyal customers to help spread the word via peer-to-peer and social referrals.

While others in your circles may be looking for ideas, it’s beneficial to share an anecdote about a positive experience, post an unboxing video, or submit positive reviews of products you’ve purchased from small businesses.

4. Buy gifts from small businesses

Larger retailers have made it easy to shop, with incentives like Amazon’s free next-day shipping. But if you have a little more time to wait, you can find unique, handmade, or sustainable alternatives from small businesses. Give twice with every gift—your business means a lot to independent brands. 

5. Rethink your budgets

Buying from an independent clothing brand over a fast-fashion brand or a big-box store often means spending more money. That’s because it costs more to produce high-quality garments ethically. But think about your budget in the long term: being smarter about how you allocate your clothing budget might mean buying fewer pieces that last longer—and supporting a small business in the process. This can apply to other types of products like home goods and furniture.

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