Shop Local: Support Bristol independents this Small Business Saturday

Shop Local: Support Bristol independents this Small Business Saturday

Posted on: 04 Dec 2020

Stay away from the big retailers and support Bristol-based businesses this weekend.

 

Small Business Saturday is back, and with it comes a huge nationwide push to get behind the brilliant independent businesses that exist all over the country, offering up a wide range of goods and services during this year's festive season.

 

Running annually to support, promote and inspire small business owners, Small Business Saturday has taken on extra significance this year amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

 

Independents have faced huge difficulty this year, forced to adapt their operations and constantly reinvent their business models to suit the ever-changing landscape.

 

Given the huge impact of the pandemic, it's more important than ever to get out and show some love for your favourite independents this year - read on for a quick guide to the best way to support small Bristol businesses this weekend.

 

 

Shop online

 

Online stores have been a vital source of revenue for independents who have been forced to close their doors at several points throughout this year, so some of your favourites are likely to continue trading online during the buildup to Christmas.

 

If don't feel comfortable going out to do your Christmas shopping this year, or for whatever reason you plan on shopping solely online, do what you can to avoid the big retailers and see if you can get what you need from a Bristol-based independent.

 

In a lot of cases, you'll be able to find the same products as you would in a chain store - consider shopping more locally in the knowledge that with every purchase you're supporting a small business and keeping your money in your community.

 

 

Browse The Arcade

 

Bristol's historic shopping quarter reopened this week, and there are few better places to support small Bristol businesses this Christmas.

 

From bespoke jewellery to vintage clothing, hair and beauty salons, Bristol-made greetings cards and even a vaping specialist, The Arcade is home to a wide range of goods and services provided by independent retailers.

 

Open seven days a week throughout the festive season, The Arcade should be the first port of call for Christmas shoppers looking to buy Bristol this year.

 

 

Shop outside of Broadmead

 

Bristol is home to an array of bustling high streets and independent shopping districts that, like The Arcade, are proud homes to Bristol-based retailers of all shapes and sizes.

 

Instead of heading straight to Cabot Circus this month, why not make a day of it and have a walk up Gloucester Road, North Street or Park Street?

 

Whether it's unique or vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, a print from a local artist or anything else, you never know what you'll find when you're exploring somewhere new.

Independent shopping on Park Street.

Share your purchases on social media

 

As mentioned above, online sales have become a vital source of revenue for small businesses in 2020, so if you've bought something you love this month, why not show it off?

 

Whether you're really happy with a purchase, you think your friends will love it or you just want to give some props to your favourite store, a quick post on your social media channels with a photo or a tag can go a long way to growing someone's audience.

 

Instagram is generally the best place for promotion, so next time you've bought something great from a local business, take a photo and tag them in a post to spread the word.

 

This weekend, you can also use the hashtag #SmallBizSatUK in your posts to grow your audience, and tag Small Business Saturday for a chance to be featured on their page.

 

 

Leave reviews online

 

Similarly to posting on social media, leaving a review on Google, Facebook or even directly on a retailer's website is a great way to show your support and help them grow their business.

 

We're all more inclined to shop somewhere or order from a site that's got loads of positive reviews, so if you're happy with your service, your purchase or just feel like giving someone a shout out, be sure to leave a glowing comment for others to see.

 

It only takes a couple of minutes, but could mean the world to a small business owner in your community.

 

 

For more information on Small Business Saturday, or to follow news and updates, find them on Twitter.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.