At Creative Little Soul HQ, we are big on supporting small businesses and with the year we’ve all had, we think it’s time to encourage all Australians to “shop small” this Christmas.
Shop Small vs Big
As the end-of-lockdown-clock struck midnight in the Victorian capital, where did people flock to? Kmart. If we were to ask any of our Melbourne mates why they shopped that night, most would’ve said: “because we can.” And obviously, there is some validity in the craziness after Melbourne’s extended lockdown came to an end.
While we’re not out to knock the retail giant nor midnight shoppers, imagine if we were all driven by the same impulse to shop from our local makers, creators and service providers? Oh, what a difference our dollar would make.
Australia’s retail giants offer us the convenience of stocking all the necessities we could posibly need or want. But do they need the same support as our small biz peers this year? We all know the answer to that.
What is classified as a small business in Australia?
According to the 2019 Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman report, an operation with less than 20 employees is considered a small business. Those that employ 1-4 people are known as micro-businesses and make-up 76.2% (627,932) of the total employing businesses.
On the flip side of the coin and to put things into perspective “small businesses often have net income well below the average Australian wage with 52% of small business owners registered with the ATO as individuals earning between $0 and $25,000 per annum.”
There are many reasons why aspiring entrepreneurs choose to start a small business, although “getting rich quick” is typically not the primary purpose. Those with a creative flair may choose to turn their side hustle into a business. Others may see an opportunity to work the hours they want or the flexibility and freedom to work on their terms, much like our fearless leader and founder Chrissy Symeonakis.
By and large, a small business will stem from a place of passion. A dream to build a long-standing idea or nurture a skill into fulfilling work. Doing so takes an incredible amount of time and commitment, but running one’s own business can be personally and professionally rewarding once everything falls into place.
What it means to “Shop Small”
To shop small means buying from a small, independently owned business. From a Christmas perspective, this might be purchasing a handicraft or a locally made fashion piece. Perhaps some baked goods from a cake maker in your community, a voucher to spend at your loved one’s favourite café, or a couple of bottles of red from a local winery.
You are contributing back to your local economy
When you “shop small” you are boosting the economy in your local community. Australians need this now more than ever. Remember when the country banded together to support small businesses affected by the bushfires? Double whammy now, with COVID-19 impacting just about everyone.
We’ve been riding this crisis rollercoaster for a year now, and while Australia moves to a COVID-normal, it can’t be forgotten that in times of woe, we all need to stick together. Putting money back into your community gives local business owners the chance to expand, which could lead to future jobs for your neighbours.
It’s better for the environment
When you shop from a small local business, less transportation and packaging is needed to ship your goods. Conserving energy and resources is better for us and better for the environment. Win-Win!
Personal service gives you more bang for your buck
When you shop small, there is a high chance you will communicate directly with the business owner. Someone who lives and breathes their brand. Your purchase, no matter how big or small, is significant to them. This means you are likely to receive the best possible service for your purchase, giving you even more value for money.
Think small, shop small this Christmas
Naturally, there will be times when you need to source your essentials from a large retail chain. But if you can buy your loved ones’ Christmas gifts from a small operation, there are many reasons why this is a better option. Knowing that you’ve helped one person, or perhaps a small team of people support their dream after a turbulent year, is a reward in itself.
Are you a small business owner in need of marketing help in the lead up to Christmas? Don’t forget to sign up to receive our newsletter and get tips and tricks to market your brand mailed straight to your inbox. Alternatively, why not book in a strategy call with our very own Chrissy? We’re here to help.