The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cincinnati chapter.

Why do small boutiques and businesses have such an important role in the community? How can I shop small this Christmas?

I like to believe it was fate that guided me to Bird in a Tree Boutique one May afternoon. Stepping into my town’s local boutique for the first time felt like stepping into the pages of a storybook. The store was filled with vibrant summer tops, flowy dresses, and jewelry adorning mannequins dressed in picturesque outfits. I was in awe. How could such a beautiful place exist right under my nose? It was then that I knew I wanted to evoke the same feeling of awe that I had felt so intensely when I first walked into Bird in a Tree Boutique.

One job interview later and a brief day of training, and I was ready to begin my journey exploring the world of small boutiques. I quickly learned that Bird in a Tree Boutique was more than just a clothing store; it was the long-awaited dream of my mentor and boss, Lori Rennekamp. I was introduced to an entire community of shoppers who loved the business for its charm, personality, and exceptional customer service skills.

As time passed, I discovered that I deeply cared about the customers I was helping and forging true friendships with those who came into the store. I learned the significance of offering a kind smile and a receptive ear. But most importantly, I discovered the importance of shopping small.

Lori shared with me her lifelong aspiration of becoming a business owner, a dream that proved to be no simple feat. She expressed how starting her business took months of business classes, consultations, planning, and preparations. I’ve witnessed firsthand how business can fluctuate based on the season, weather, and current events.

Compared to large retailers, who follow a strict schedule sent from headquarters, a small boutique is responsible for ordering, preparing, pricing, and advertising all their products. That doesn’t even account for the time spent in the shop socializing with customers and actively selling products. It’s estimated that small business owners work about 60+ hours a week (Blakely-Gray, 2023). This extensive workload is typically shouldered by just one or a few individuals.

So, why should you choose to shop small this Christmas season?

Small shops cater to the needs of the community.

It’s estimated that 75% of small business owners donate about 6% of their profits to charitable organizations annually (“Small Business Charitable Giving – Big Impact on Local Communities,” 2023). Small businesses listen to the wishes of the community and tailor their products to best fit their customers.

Small boutiques offer more unique styles and carry higher-quality items.

Boutiques often get their products from other small companies; this ensures that the clothing you’re purchasing from these boutiques is of higher quality. Customers can develop a one-on-one relationship with the owner and create a bond that ensures you’re getting the best clothing for your price range, size, or style.

You’re not only supporting a small business, but you’re also supporting someone’s dream.

Small businesses and boutiques are often the vision of an aspiring business owner. These stores are more than a business, they’re the product of a hard-working individual. By supporting small businesses you’re actively helping to support a business owner, their family, and the community.

Local businesses generate less waste and circulate more money into the community.

Small businesses consume less waste because they carry a smaller range of products and use limited packaging. Similarly, the revenue produced by small businesses converts into local taxes and helps to fuel the local economy. On average between $1 million and $41.5 million is accumulated in annual revenue from small businesses alone (Murray, 2023).

Start supporting the Cincinnati community by shopping small this Christmas. Acquire unique gifts for your family and friends while knowing that your hard-earned money is going to support the people in your area.

Places to shop small in the Cincinnati area.

Bird in a Tree Boutique

https://www.birdinatreeboutique.com/

29 N Main St #1243, Batesville, IN 47006

Monica’s Chic Boutique

https://shopatmonicas.com/

654 Highland Ave Unit 29 Fort Thomas, KY 41075

The Native One

https://www.thenativeone.com/

1400 Vine St Cincinnati, OH 45202

Leeli + Lou

https://www.leeliandlou.com/