Money Matters
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Re: 2014 Economy
I work WELL over 12 hours a day most days and take care of an elderly aunt. I know what it is like to be busy.
I also said there are exceptions. There are people who can make efforts to support local who simply do not bother.
While some small businesses are more expensive, many are not. Plus, you tend to find more unique items in small shops.
The six business owners I know are extremely vigilant as to what the going rate is for certain items and make it a point to be very competitive. Like I said people are not even checking with them and are in some cases paying more or about the same for the same items.
From the looks of responses here, more stores will be closing in no time. When you look to shop at the cute little store down the street in five or ten years and it is no longer there, you can only blame people who did not support them.
If this cause is important to you (and I support it as well!) I'd look into positive ways to support local in your area. In my area there is a nonprofit called "My City" Local First that is very active in the community. They run fairs and events for local businesses, and provide PR support. Maybe you could get involved with something similar in your area. Please just keep the tone positive-by lecturing you'll lose your audience. Ultimately, it's nobody's responsibility to shop at one business over another, and shopping is not a donation.
LMAO!!!!!! So, I guess I was not the only one laughing through her post.
OP, I kind of feel like you created this thread just to start a debate, and then started attacking people for their choices. I get that you are pro-shop local. That's great! Me too! I even own a local business, baking out of my home. There is a kitchen shop in town that sells lots of awesome stuff, and I shop there a lot, but you know what? Their prices aren't just a 'tad' more. If I need to replace my Kitchenaid mixer, I am literally going to spend $100 more if I buy local than if I order online (or drive to the next biggest town, which is what lots of people do.) If it's a few cents here or a dollar or two there, I don't have a problem giving the business to local shop owners., but I can't afford a $100 'donation' every time I replace an appliance.
I also do a TON of shopping on Amazon as a Prime member. Being that this is, as I said, a small town, I just don't have the options here that I have online. Call me selfish, but I don't want the same picture frames on my wall as every other person bought at the local home goods boutique, and I buy specific beauty products for my sensitive skin that are not even available to purchase here. I'm not willing to buy substitutes.
Also, I would LOVE if there were self-checkouts in this town! You know why? Because there are never enough cashiers working. You're right; I'm selfish enough with my time to not want to stand in line for 20 minutes to buy one loaf of bread. They obviously wouldn't be taking jobs away from people, because the people aren't in those jobs in the first place. At least, that's how it is where I live.
Honestly, I get what you're saying, and I do try to shop local whenever it makes sense. I know what it's like being a small business owner, because I am one. I have to agree with what some of the other PPs said though--business owners need to learn to adapt and change and grow along with their clientele. I book a majority of my business through Facebook, of all things. I'm guessing there are a few old-school bakers in my area that scoff at the idea of doing business on Facebook, but you know what? I'll take the business.
I think if you are going to be a proponent of change and encourage people to shop local, you might consider dropping the judgmental tones and the occasional 'f' bombs that you seem so fond of, and engage people in intelligent conversation. You just might find out that a lot more people are willing to see your side.
I've never heard of anyone baking out of their home. Do you have to get a special license like you do when you own a storefront?
Regarding small businesses, the ones I know of are extremely competitively priced and have kept up with the times. People simply did not give them a chance and now they are closing.
I am genuinely concerned about my community falling apart. Many buildings are empty now causing my area to look very dismal.
My intention was not to debate. I do understand why people shop online. I simply think more people should at least check local to price compare if they have the time to do so. You might be pleasantly surprised.
In the state where I live, there is what's called a cottage food law, which allows for certain food items to be produced out of your home. I would guess that about 90% of custom bakers in the state do business this way.
I agree that it is as good idea for people to at least get an idea of what's available locally and give it a chance before shopping elsewhere. I'm sorry to hear about the struggles happening where you live. I do think it's nice when the city puts a lot of effort into promoting local businesses. We have a pretty strong downtown association in this town. Maybe the business people that you know can form a group and try to work together to provide incentives to get people to stay local.