100000% Off Sale!
Just kidding.
Organizers are asking us to participate in a general boycott this Black Friday in solidarity with the people of Palestine. There are marches and protests scheduled for Friday in almost every major city if you’re able to join. History has shown us that collective action and civil disobedience are very effective strategies - don’t let anyone try and convince you otherwise. The ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, along with the destruction and theft of their homeland, is so much more important than anything any of us could ever be shopping for. Free Palestine.
As we all know, “Black Friday” now extends well beyond a single day. For many of us, this week marks the start of a lot of extra spending as we enter the holiday season. This time of year is make-or-break for a lot of businesses out there, and nobody has more on the line than small businesses. This year, things are more dire than ever.
I am both a own small business owner and a part-time employee at another small business (a restaurant/bar), and I can tell you first hand how hard this year has been on all of us. So many of my fellow small business owner friends are lamenting record lows, way worse than during the peak of the pandemic. This might sound alarmist, but it’s true: without your help, many of us just won’t make it.
Please, please, please shop small business this holiday season and beyond. That cute little boutique you always drive by on your way to work? It’s time to actually pull over and go inside. That local coffee shop in the next town over that you’ve been meaning to try? Make the detour, and treat yourself to a mocha and a pastry. Countless studies have shown overwhelming benefits to supporting small businesses. According to a 2018 survey, 67 cents of every dollar spent with a small business stays in the community. It’s simply a better system for artists, makers, employees, owners, customers and neighbors. The ever-increasing reach of mega corporations isn’t good for anyone except the billionaires on top, and the only thing we can do as individuals to stop the growth is to walk away.
You might be reading all of this and thinking to yourself: yeah, duh. You might be up to speed and doing your best, but there’s a good chance that there is someone in your life who isn’t! There’s no better way to spread the message than to express genuine excitement about the small businesses you know and love. If your roommate mentions picking up a bottle of wine, recommend a local shop. If your dad is looking for a wreath for the front door, remind him of that local garden center. If your best friend tells you they’re holiday shopping, send them a link to that Etsy shop with the cute homemade cards.
Next week, I’ll be releasing two gift guides featuring a round up of great small business and secondhand gift ideas. While gifts are a great place to start, there are so many other ways to shop small that might just slip your mind. Below, some suggestions for more ways to pivot your holiday spending to circulate in your own community.
Shopping Small Beyond Gifts
Gift Wrapping & Cards
Now that you’ve purchased a great gift from a small business, you might be looking for tissue paper, ribbons, bags, and more. It’s really easy to just stop at Walgreens, but you might be missing out! Even more special versions of these things can be found at your local, independently owned gift shop, craft & art supply store, or book store. For the last two years, I’ve only used vintage wrapping paper I found at my favorite flea market in Connecticut. The prints and colors are so much more interesting than anything I’ve seen in store, and it really makes my gifts stand out!
Flowers & Greenery
If you love picking up a poinsettia, some fresh holly, or a living centerpiece for the holiday table, support your local flower shop or indie garden center. Home Depot might be a few dollars cheaper, but nothing beats the quality and experience of shopping with a mom and pop plant shop or a skilled florist.
Holiday Decor
Every single cute themed piece on the shelves at your local Target has a way cooler version available through a small business. In fact, there’s a good chance that the exact design you’re eyeing at that big-box store was actually stolen from an indie maker. Whether you’re into candles, mugs, ornaments or garlands, the absolute best of the best is out there through a small business. When you’re standing in the aisles feeling tempted, try doing a quick search on your phone. If you’re weary of drop-shippers and other questionable practices on big marketplaces Etsy, try Bonanza or Goimagine. Chances are, you’ll find something even cuter that’s totally worth the wait for shipping.
Groceries
As someone who lives in NYC, I know just how high grocery prices have gotten recently. While supplying your whole holiday spread from your local grocer might be way out of your budget, there are definitely a few things you could buy from a specialty shop. Items like baked goods, desserts, cheese, coffee, and wine are all worth the splurge to pick up outside of your regular grocery store chain.
Your Holiday Attire
Whether you’ve got party plans or pajama plans, there are so many better options out there than just wandering around Zara. Websites like Good On You and Clotheshorse’s Small Business Directory can be a good place to start if you aren’t sure where to look. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for holiday markets and pop ups in your area to find cool local brands and sellers.
There are so many easy changes we can make these days to get in the habit of shopping smaller and more locally. Many of the things I listed above can also be found secondhand - try to check independent thrift shops, local markets, or online listings before going to the big corporate thrifts like Goodwill or Savers. If you’re addicted to Amazon, check out EarthHero - I get almost all of my cleaning and laundry supplies here. Bookshop is a great option for buying books online, and Lucky Sweater is a really cool swap app if you’re looking to go beyond Etsy and Depop.
Thank you for reading 1-800-VINTAGE. I’m so grateful you’re here. I hope this weekend is one of rest, hope, and solidarity. A better world is possible for us all.
See you next week.