The Importance of Supporting Small Business E-Commerce

Here’s why it’s important to support your local
business’ online stores, and how you can start doing it today.

As we have all experienced by now, covid-19 has ultimately changed the way that we spend our money. Consumer spend around the world shifted almost entirely to online shopping overnight, as we were forced to update our daily habits in order to adapt to the ever changing landscape. What we want to focus on today is this: what does this mean for our beloved local businesses?

Continue reading to learn how you can support small business e-commerce, as well as to discover a few local Austin brands who have virtual marketplaces you can visit today. 

How to Shop Online Locally

It’s safe to say that the majority of businesses & brands around the world experienced some degree of negative economic impact from the coronavirus. It’s also safe to say that small businesses took the biggest hit of all. Even in a good economy, cash flow for smbs is often a sore point and social distancing has caused a mass halt in our dollars flowing into local biz. We encourage you to start taking note of the local business owners who may need help keeping their heads above water during this time.

From stimulating the economy that supports you to adding to the “local flavor” you love about your hometown, there’s a multitude of reasons as to why you should shop local when you can. That’s why, as we must continue to fulfill our consumer needs through e-commerce, we want to highlight how you can maintain your local loyalty in the online space. Here are two practices that we live by ourselves to do just that… 

Don’t Float the Mainstream 

As consumers, we tend to resort to all-in-one marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, or Etsy to source our products. Start making an active effort to step outside of that box and seek out products & services offered by smaller, independent businesses! A simple google search can tell you which of your favorite local brands offer online shopping options. If they don’t, reach out to see if they’re selling gift cards that you can use at a later date once their brick & mortar is back open. 

Spread the Word 

There’s other ways to support local businesses than buying their products & services. Using your own influence, however big or small, is a great way to raise awareness for your favorite small brands. CoreLynx reminds us that your word-of-mouth recommendation through online reviews, sharing social media posts, posting on stories, or simply phoning a friend will often persuade others to choose small business online stores over mega-retailers. This is a great option for those of you who have also been impacted financially by covid-19, but still want to show some love to fellow entrepreneurs who are struggling as well. 

#LocalLove

*A list of 10 small businesses located here in Austin, TX that offer online shopping options*

• Radical Girl Gang: a curated marketplace that supports emerging women-owned brands. They partnered with an ATX-based designer to sell masks with gorgeous fabrics as well as space for medical grade filters.
• Frankie Jean: A women-owned ATX lifestyle brand that promotes & #supportslocal with her handmade products. Ashley, the founder, started a capsule mask collection that donates all profits to local businesses in need.
• DuSöl: This CBD company produces a healthy product, all while spreading our message of holistic wellness through mind, body, & soul. To help out during the pandemic, they are offering 40% off online orders “SXSLOVE40” until 6/30 as well as 24 hour ATX deliveries.
• Jeany's Ginger Elixir: Meet “caribbean in a bottle”. This delicious drink was created by a local Austinite, and is perfect for sipping any time of the day - in or out of the house. 
• Cocina 54 Empanadas: A local family-owned business that truly puts the flavor in “local flavor”. Their empanadas are the perfect #quarantinesnack
• Aktion Coffee: Your coffee fix, delivered. This Austin brand sells artisan, single originan Guatemalan coffee by the bag or keurig cup. 
• Gusto Graphic Tees: Shop for fun graphic tees from this local, woman-owned business that are inspired entirely by Texan culture!
• KUROS: Taking a proactive approach to fighting gender based violence, this brand gives free pepper spray and training to at-risk women in need. Your purchase will help to support women in India, South Africa, El Salvador, and the Philippines. 
• Sanara Skincare: A plant-based skincare brand that celebrates indigenous Latin American botanicals. Rebekah, the founder, also offers helpful tips on how to repurpose your product bottles once they’re used up! 
• Restart CBD: An education first handcrafted CBD wellness brand founded by two sisters. With an ATX shop location, they offer curbside pickup as well as delivery/shipping options in order to support the #stayathome initiative. 

P.S. Are you a local business owner considering selling your products & services online? Read this blog to discover the benefits of small business e-commerce!