Lately, I’ve been rethinking where my money goes when I shop. Instead of Amazon, I’ve been buying my books from local and used bookstores in my area (including Barnes & Noble, because we have to keep all physical bookstores alive). Instead of Target, I’ve been buying my home goods and toiletries from the grocery store and local drugstores. Even though I’ve lived in my new apartment for over a year, I’m still decorating and looking for those perfect accent pieces and I love popping into local retailers to see what unique items are on their shelves. For years, I shopped online and clicked through big-brand affiliate links, without much thought. They were convenient, predictable, and easy. Just one click and my item would arrive on my doorstep in a couple of days. But lately, I’ve felt the pull towards something smaller, cozier, and more personal.
There’s a certain delight in browsing a brick-and-mortar bookstore where you can get a personal reading recommendation, or ordering a handmade gift from someone who wraps it with a handwritten note. Going to my local yarn shop, where you can touch and feel everything and get suggestions for the best yarn for your project, is so gratifying. These moments remind me that shopping can feel like a connection rather than a transaction.
Supporting local and independent businesses feels like uncovering something special, finding one-of-a-kind items made with love and care. Every purchase reflects the work of real people and showcases their creativity and craftsmanship. There’s nothing more enjoyable than shopping at local shops and boutiques to find unique jewelry and accessories.
I’m not swearing off big companies entirely, but I am being more intentional about where I spend my money. It’s challenging. I’ve had to purchase a couple of items from Amazon because I couldn’t find them in any stores, and I tried – I looked in multiple stores. I did have an emergency one morning when I ran out of deodorant, so I had to stop by Target on my way to work since there were no other stores in the vicinity. But when it’s not an emergency, I’ve been trying to keep my distance from big box stores.
Choosing small and local shops makes me feel like I’m making a difference, even in small ways. I want the businesses in my neighborhood to thrive, especially now that so much of life happens online. Everything feels like just another transaction and you never see the person or business behind the website. Shopping locally lets me connect with people who truly love what they do.
If you need me, I’ll be at my neighborhood coffee shop with a latte and a pastry.
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