Locavores and shopping local is nothing new to us here in New Orleans. But with Black Friday around the corner, the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, and Christmas in less than a month, urgency sometimes betrays our better judgment.
Ways to #ShopSmall
Looking for a fresh start in the new year? If your brand is stale and marketing is dry, take a look at our member directory and get in touch with a designer to assist. Our membership boasts several freelancers and subcontractors for hire.
Need a gift? Check out the French Market for local pieces on any topic, in any color, and tons of smells. Oak Street, Magazine Street, Freret Street, and several other main street organizations feature tons of locally-owned shops, such as our partner, Blue Mystic Signs on Jackson Street and off of Magazine. (Magazine Street is featuring Merriment on Magazine from 5-9pm and the Palmer Arts Market runs the 2-day course of the weekend.) Pay extra special attention to our local bookstores because its not so easy to find limited edition runs of local books on Amazon.
No, but I really need something special… Well, then commission something nice! Many of our community’s designers and local artists would be thrilled to work with you to create something unique and one of kind. Design is for everyone– not just corporations and advertisements.
Order your Christmas Cards and Holiday Invitations in person. I know its tempting to push your holiday greeting card through that magic “submit” button on WhoopsIForgot.com at the last minute online and have them shipped to you next-day-air, but take some time out this year and invest in a local printer or designer. Not only will you be delighted in the personal customer service and painstaking attention a real human will pay to your order, but the results might be better quality than you expected!
Local giftcards do exist. Not sure what to get someone? Most local shops and restaurants offer gift cards or certificates in any amount, usually with a minimum of $5 dollars or so.
Small Investment, Big Return
Small Business Saturday is no joke: when you shop small, more than 50% of your purchase stays in our community. So not only are you supporting a local business, you are investing in our community.
What ways are you shopping small on Saturday, November 30th? Let us know what cool local finds, shops, and sales you’ll be enjoying to make Small Business Saturday bigger than ever.
