I wrote an update yesterday on the things that I thought small businesses could do to help themselves. But unless customers go and spend money with them, then there’s a limit to how long they can be there. Although there is possibly a train of thought that says if they’re doing all the right things, then customers will be there, but customers are funny things.
So, it sits with all of us, those who can go out and support them, to go out and do the right thing. These are my things to think about for shopping in 2012:
1. Shop local – sorry to be boring, but find good suppliers local to you, and spend money with them. It’s worth the time to go to where they are, be it shop or farmer’s market, or even, heaven forbid, some of them are even online. Try Big Barn if you are not sure who is nearby, and Love Your Larder is a great source for British made food.
2. Read all about it – there are some fantastic local food magazines around, which really highlight the great producers, shops and restaurants in their local area. In the heart of England, there’s Great Food (forgive the conflict of interest, I write for them), in the South West there’s Fork, and bound to be one locally to wherever you are.
3. Use the big boys – a number of the big supermarkets have local supplier sections, so worth seeking them out. Just try not to buy from these areas on special offers, as they will no doubt end up paying for whatever discount you get. Or try them as part of your supermarket shop and then go buy from them directly.
4. Feed and talk – if you find something you love, feed it to friends and family, and tell them where it comes from. Encourage them to go seek it out too. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth.
Four simple things. Four things that might just help a local business make it through 2012. I am not sure Mary Portas mentioned these things, but they will help to keep businesses alive, which may just translate to keeping variety on our high streets. If not, there’s always the bingo. Otherwise you get places such as those in Jon Curnow’s photo.
Customers also need to tell their local indie shop if there is something you would like them t0 stock. I manage our village community shop and we are constantly adding products to our range at the request of customers. Just added our 18th local supplier as lots of customers have been asking for organic veg.
Good point, it’s a two way relationship, and local independents are much more able to react to these kinds of requests. Or at least the good ones will.
Get something nice through the post this year // Jan 3, 2012 at 6:20 am
[...] Made in very small batches by Vicky Smith, using locally sourced fruit from local suppliers, these are great flavour combinations like Summer Pudding with Elderflower or Wild Sloe, Crab Apple and Bramble Jelly. Three months will cost £27, which may seem a lot for jam, but remember that this is an artisanal product, and also will produce great joy on its arrival each month, not to mention each morning as you spread it on your toast. And then there’s also the good feeling from knowing you’re supporting a small business. [...]
Love this post! Like you say, very simple rules, but very effective too. We’re a Westcountry based coffee roastery and many of our customers need more people just like you to get out and about and support them! Brilliant!
Yes, it’s definitely a two way street. Businesses can help themselves, but we can vote with our purses and wallets too.