The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted small businesses in 2020. In my neighborhood, I’ve watched as family-owned restaurants and quaint shops have shuttered, leaving behind vacant storefronts. It’s disheartening to consider how different our community will look after this crisis. With the holiday season approaching, I’ve noticed a surge in posts urging everyone to shop small and keep our spending within the local economy. I completely understand the sentiment; our neighbors depend on us to support their businesses during this challenging time.
While I make a genuine effort, the stark reality is that I often cannot afford to “shop small.” We do what we can, like ordering take-out from local eateries and occasionally driving across town to buy discounted meat from a local grocery store. We’ve even braved chilly weather to enjoy second-run movies at our local drive-in, helping to support them. Recently, I bought some vinyl decals from a local artisan to personalize our Christmas stockings. We do our best to shop small when it’s feasible.
Additionally, we donated a wooden playhouse to another family, hoping to make their little girl’s Christmas a bit brighter. My family is committed to supporting our community in whatever way we can, yet we often find ourselves unable to frequent the local establishments that need our help. Currently, we mostly stay home, and when we do shop, it’s typically more economical and COVID-safe to choose larger stores that offer perks like free shipping, curbside pickup, and significant sales.
Although both my husband and I work, my part-time income is modest, while he serves in the military. We manage our bills and provide for our children, but extras are a luxury. During the holidays, when all three of my children expect gifts on the same day, I have to “squeeze every quarter until two dimes and a nickel pop out,” just as my grandfather used to say. This reality often clashes with the “shop small” philosophy.
I would love to be the mom who buys beautiful handmade gifts from local artisans for Christmas. Last year, I attended a large holiday fair with friends, eager to shop for my kids and support local businesses. I wanted to shop small.
Some items took my breath away, but many were far out of my budget or simply impractical. I admired the exquisite hand-smocked clothing and luxurious cashmere toys, but I didn’t even flip over the price tags.
A few booths caught my eye, and I browsed, but ultimately passed on adorable hair bows for my unborn daughter and cute monogrammed diaper covers. I kept my eyes peeled for the perfect gift for my boys.
Eventually, I stumbled upon a booth featuring handcrafted wooden puzzles. They were stunning, and I intended to buy one for my younger son, who was obsessed with puzzles last Christmas. However, when I saw the price, I knew it wasn’t meant to be. That beautiful puzzle would have consumed more than half of my entire Christmas budget for him.
I completely understand the value of his work and the time and effort he put into creating something so special. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the craftsmanship; I simply can’t afford it. If I can purchase a Melissa and Doug wooden puzzle from Target for a fraction of the price and still make my child happy, that’s what I have to prioritize.
While I recognize the difference between the heirloom-quality toy I passed up and the mass-produced one I ultimately chose, my three-year-old doesn’t grasp those nuances. I don’t need to ask my husband for permission to spend money, but I knew he would be disappointed if I splurged on one exquisite puzzle. We work together to find good deals, making lists and balancing our budget so that everyone receives gifts they love without overspending. I wish all those “good deals” could support small businesses, but that’s not always realistic. I have expensive taste but a budget that aligns more with big box stores. Unfortunately, my wallet often makes the final decision.
Shopping small typically involves spending more and shopping in-person, neither of which align with our current needs. Due to COVID, we have chosen to have everything delivered, which has slightly increased our costs. We accept this as a necessary compromise to remain safe during the pandemic. This year, every expense is a bit tighter than usual. If “shopping small” isn’t feasible in an ordinary year, it’s certainly not practical this time around.
While the idea of “shopping small” is commendable, it inherently requires privilege. To support local businesses, one must have the financial means and time to shop within their often-limited hours. There’s also a need for the luxury of valuing quality over price and the ability to invest more now to save later. Additionally, good health is a privilege many of us must consider during these times.
Many are simply doing their best. While shopping locally for Christmas gifts is an admirable goal, numerous families are currently focused on health, paying rent, buying groceries, and keeping the lights on. Then there are families like mine—thankful for what we have, yet not quite comfortable enough to easily cover extras without careful planning.
There’s no shame in recognizing that supporting small businesses is ideal, even if you can’t participate at the moment.
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Summary:
The article discusses the challenges of supporting small businesses during the holiday season, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the financial constraints many families face, making it difficult to prioritize local shopping despite the desire to support the community. The author shares personal experiences of trying to shop small but ultimately finding bigger stores more practical due to budget limitations. The piece concludes by acknowledging the privilege involved in shopping small and the realities many families must navigate during these challenging times.