Shopping small is not just for a pandemic, it's for life!
Shopping small had a real boom during the pandemic; people understood the necessity of supporting small businesses. We were all shopping online more than ever, although the situation was forced upon us. Whether it was the recognition that the small businesses where not accessing the government support or just a desire to spend money more wisely, it made for a good few months for these micro businesses.
Based on recent data gathered from over 350+ businesses* 84% of them have noticed a significant negative impact on business since the easing of lockdown. It's very troubling times for these businesses as in-person events haven't fully got into their full swing yet either. Some of the remaining 16% said they had not seen good sales for some time and didn't think that the lockdown ease was to blame. Either way a significant number of micro businesses within the creative industries are in difficulty.
Covid restrictions are easing slightly and we’ve all been waiting so long for this moment and it’s been wonderful to get out and about, socialising and seeing friends and family. However, this has really impacted the small business community. Shopping online significantly slowed down as a result of the new found freedom and this isn't making much recovery. Are people spending their money on eating out, day trips or even holidays?
Shopping small, be that on or off-line, is probably the last thought on everyone’s mind, but those independent businesses depend on our support to survive. We've seen quotes like 'buy small business or BYE small business' and it's getting rather desperate! Holly Tucker is doing a large campaign currently to support makers beyond the pandemic and it's a voice we must echo and share.
Handmade Hour and Pedddle are hosting a Love Leaving Lockdown Virtual Market, to bring these small businesses into your home. Making shopping from businesses easier and enable us to keep supporting these creatives.
Hosted on the new events platform, Tresstle.com it’s dedicated to helping small creative businesses sell at online events, collaborate with other businesses and increase brand awareness. Online events are a relatively new concept and one that will grow in the coming years to run in parallel offline events and compliment their presence. The Love Leaving Lockdown online market is the next event, taking place on 26th & 27th June, 10am to 8pm respectively. This online event will celebrate our renewed freedom whilst recognising it's a journey we are still experiencing and most importantly the need to support small businesses and showcasing their wares.
Some quotes from our small businesses:
“My online sales have been incredibly slow the last few months, so it’s been a relief to be back out selling at real life markets. It’s been so nice to have that human interaction and face to face connection! That being said, it’s so important to still be supporting small businesses in real life and online - I don’t think I’ll be taking physical shopping for granted any time soon, but the online market is huge and varied for both shoppers and sellers!” ~ Mirri from Art by MR.
“I have yet to do any real life markets - my business has solely been online up ‘til now. I’ve definitely seen a dip in sales lately, as many others have - everyone is out having fun in the sun instead! That’s why online markets are so great - it’s a chance to make a day of it, find small businesses and shop small whatever the weather!” ~ Rebecca from Fallow Moon
"Covid has thrown everything out; patterns and foundations we’ve worked hard to form are now all over the place. Online sales were brilliant over lockdown (also less than markets for me), but now we are all in a ridiculously quiet patch. We are all so eager to sell at (in person) markets, but the footfall is low as people are still unsure of busy places/numbers are controlled . Shops have reopened but depending on where those shops are located and how the lack of commuters/tourists effect them, changes our predictable sales too. Everything is so unknown and every decision feels like a gamble. It really effects small businesses as we can’t plan.
However, the overall positive is that more people are conscious about shopping locally and were introduced to so many independent brands. Indie businesses have really rallied together and we are learning and growing faster because of it. Hopefully at Christmas, indie brands will flourish as we will be able to sell at markets AND have built up a larger online following during the pandemic!" ~ Beck from Prior Made and Prior Shop (Bricks and mortar store)