Happy Friday! How the hell is it August already? Well anyways..

Some of you reached out to me after reading the last post and asked about small businesses. (By the way, how kick ass is Priya!!) So, I wanted to do a follow up about why it’s important to shop at small businesses and how you can locate em’. Because you know.. We need more excuses to spend money, right? And don’t worry guys; I do have some tips and insight for you too! This isn’t all for the ladies.

Now, I will admit… You can find me at Target or other major stores here and there. Your girl needs her Basic Human trash bags and Brita water filers. So please don’t come at me with your torches and pitchforks if you see me wondering around one. HOWEVER, I always do my best to shop small and remain conscious of the type of consumer I am being.

So, why should we shop at small businesses?

• According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, we currently have around 28 million small businesses around the country and they account for 54% of all sales in the U.S. These businesses may be small but they pack a mean punch which means we our purchases have a major influence.
• Directly impacts the local communities the small businesses are in and/or being ran out of. According to the Civic Economics, “on average, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14% of purchases at chain stores.” Which means the community will get more money to spend on their education system, public service works, etc. If you are local to San Diego, I know I’d prefer my money to go to schools or to fix the damn potholes that I swear are strategically located around town.
• Creates local jobs. For the last 20 years, small businesses added 8 million new jobs while big businesses eliminated 4 million. When people have jobs, they spend money, and people who work at smaller business are more likely to shop small as well… So there goes the money back into the community. It’s a beautiful cycle people. Oh and some of these businesses are owned by our neighbors and friends, so why not help em’ out!
• Lastly, it may sound selfish but.. Eff it. It feels damn good to buy stuff from a mom n’ pop shop. I know that I’m doing something that is economically positive, helping someone out who genuinely appreciates it, and I still get some sweet stuff. Also, the people that work at these places are way more personable. And yes, even when interacting on-line! I work in customer service so that goes a long way for me.

Those are just a few reasons but some of the most important ones (at least to me). Now that we covered why it’s important.. Where the hell can you spend your money?  I found this awesome site that you can plug your city or zip in and it list most small businesses. (click here!). Below I also have some that I personally love and recommend for you. And don’t worry, if you aren’t local to them, they do typically have online shops or you can call them in to see what they can ship to you.

• Pigment: 3801 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (Carries the stuff you don’t really need but do need at the same time! Items for the house, plants, furniture, kitchen supplies, planners, etc.)
• Pack Ratt Records and Junk: 4746 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115 (Hand-picked records, surf boards, clothes. Vintage junkies will go nuts! They also have a crazy little skate board display of some old, rare boards.)
• Black Market Skates: 2404 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 (One of my favorite shops.. These guys have San Diego roots and remind me of Route44.)
• Dreamgirls 5054 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107 (For the ladiesss! Clothes, shoes, bags, etc. I highly recommend going to this place because they sometimes serve champagne and beer while you shop. Your welcome).

Lastly, there’s that good ol’ internet. You can of course Google specific items you are looking for or battle royale on eBay but I personally LOVE Etsy.com.  If you aren’t sure what that is, it’s basically a digital market place. They have super cute artsy shit (ya know, like ppl who actually nail the Pinterest game), clothes, records, old novelty items (I found some sweet PBR cans!), and pretty much anything else you can think of. Also, check the gram. Yes, as in Instragram. Small businesses are constantly advertising and you can search the hashtags #SupportSmallBusiness #ShopSmall to find some options too.

If I haven’t lost you by now or if you aren’t shopping yet (which I ain’t mad at).. Hopefully you feel more empowered to shop small and check out some new spots! Shoot, even Ollie is on it. Below is a pic of him at his favorite place Dog Beach Dog Wash. He gets his treats, baths, and pick up some toys. If you have any recommendations, leave em’ in the comments below. I’d love to see where you go!

Cheers,
Katie