Shop at Independent Shops More – 9 Reasons Why It is a Good Thing

September 26^th, 2023

I have 9 Reasons Why We Should All Shop at Independent Shops More.

In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to shop online. But we can still choose to shop independent, even if we are doing the majority of our shopping online.

Whether we are choosing to shop in our local high street or online, there are a lot of important reasons why we should all shop at independent shops more and ditch the big shops and the online marketplaces.

Independent shops should be our first choice, our automatic choice of where to shop.  They are mine and it is a much better shopping experience, it is a joy.  Better for me and better for the UK.

Here are my reasons why we should all shop at independent shops more:

1 Independent shops support local economies.

When you shop at an independent shop, your money stays in the community. This helps to support local businesses, create jobs, and boost their local economy.  Even if you are using their online shop, you can be reassured in the knowledge they are paying UK taxes and employing British workers and supporting other small businesses.  All of which are an important and huge part of improving the UK economy.

2 Independent shops offer unique products and a personable customer service.

Independent shops often carry products that you won’t find at big stores and big online retailers.  Their ranges are carefully curated based on their knowledge and understanding of their customer.

3 Independent shops are more likely to be involved in their communities.

They may sponsor local events, donate to local charities, or even just be a friendly face on your street.

4 Independent shops offer a more personal shopping experience.

They are very involved in every element of their shop and care.  They are not taught or paid to care, they genuinely care about the experience a shopper has.

5 Independent shops are more eco-conscious.

Independent shops often source their products from local suppliers, which reduces the environmental impact of shipping. They also tend to be more mindful of their waste disposal practices, the packaging they use and the materials used in the products they sell.

6 Independent shops are more ethical.

Independent shops are often more transparent about their sourcing practices and employment standards. They are also more likely to support ethical causes.  The have wonderful values that they live by and these naturally feed through to their business.

7 Independent shops have knowledge.

I often email an independent shop if I have a question about a product, before I buy.  I always get a well informed and knowledgeable reply.  Whether it is a pair of boots and I want to know about sizing, the drape of a fabric before ordering 3 meters or which dog food is best for my dog.  Plus, their knowledge, built up over many years, means they have carefully curated the perfect range for their niche.

8 Independent shops appreciate their customers and go that extra mile to show them.

It is great to feel appreciated and independent shops appreciate every single sale and love to show this by doing something extra for their customers.  A lovely chat in the shop, a beautifully packaged order or even just knowing your name.

9 Shopping at independent shops is a joy!

So next time you’re looking to make a purchase, consider shopping at an independent shop. You’ll be contributing towards the UK economy, supporting local communities, getting unique products, and making a difference, plus it will be a much more enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re shopping online or on the high street, give independent shops a try.  You will be surprised at what you find.

Are you struggling to find independent shops online? 

Then I am here to help.  My shopping directory helps you find these amazing independent shops and will send you direct to their online shops where you can go and buy direct from them.

You can search the directory via Find Shops or via Find Products.  There are a wide variety of shops catering for a range of shopping needs.

I created Love Our Shops UK to help everyone find independent shops online, as I was frustrated to find only the big shops and market places coming up when I searched for what I wanted to buy.  I knew there were independent shops online that sold what I needed but as they never appeared in my searches, I simply could not find them and shop with them.

I spoke to other shoppers about this and they felt the same way.  Sometimes I would go on a market place, find what I wanted there, see what small business was selling it then go and search for their website, so I could buy direct from them.  That way i would not give any of my hard earned money to a business that charged a huge commission, weren’t based in the UK and avoided paying tax in the UK if they could.

So my shopping directory was born and has been helping shoppers shop at independent shops more, ever since.

In turn, it helps these amazing independent shops by giving them more visibility and traffic, so they can do what they do best, provide all their lovely customers with great products and personable service.  If you are an independent online shop you can find all the details about joining here.

Do you think I have captured all the reasons for shopping independent more?  Do you have any to add?  Which one do you think is the most important?

Please feel free to let me know.  You can send me a message via my socials, or why not email me barbara@loveourshopsuk.com plus all my contact details can be found here.

I hope you have found this helpful.

Helping you shop independent, every single day.

Barbara

At the time of writing, all shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory Love Our Shops UK.  All opinions in this blog post are mine.

Though I mention lots of shops here, you must form your own opinion as to whether the shop and their products are for you.  Clicking on a shop or product link will send you to their website, from there you are covered by their terms and conditions.

Tags: Independent Shops Online, Shop Independent