Love local: Why it’s more important than ever to shop small this festive season

We’re approaching one of the busiest periods for South Africa’s small businesses – the festive season and our summer holiday break. After what has been a difficult year of disrupted trading, many of them will be depending on this time to boost sales and cash flow. 

With the latest news on travel restrictions impacting tourism and the unemployment rate climbing to a new high, small businesses need all the support they can get. 

These businesses have borne the brunt of the pandemic, but their resilience and determination to keep going has been so impressive. I’ve been in awe of the way they’ve adapted to survive and, in some cases, thrive. That’s why it’s so important we all do what we can to support these local heroes by shopping small this festive season. 

It’s hard to believe that we’ve had over 620 days of lockdown across South Africa. We’re all looking forward to some much deserved rest this season, enjoying good food and exchanging gifts with loved ones. 

This holiday, we’re encouraging our communities to #LoveYourLocalBiz by shopping small, where possible. Show your local business some love – whether it’s your local restaurant, gift shop, butcher or hairdressers – because we’re a nation that supports each other.

#LoveYourLocalBiz

Here are a few ways you can help support your local businesses:

1. Shop in-person at your local: This is more sustainable and helps those in your local communities that might be struggling. Also, after so long apart why not show the love in-person, all COVID-19 protocols observed of course.
2. Give vouchers for gifts: If you’re not sure what to give someone, why not get them a voucher from a small business. This could be vouchers for a meal at one of their favourite restaurants or to order a bunch of flowers from a local florist. 
3. Eat and be merry: Support your local cafes, restaurants and eateries when celebrating over the holidays. Also, source ingredients for your festive feasts from local producers rather than big chains.
4. Recommend your favourite spots: Share your love for your local small businesses with your friends and family. You can also write them a positive review on their website or spread the word on social media.

I’ll be supporting my local favourite spot, Izapa Game Lodge in Cullinan for a quick sho’t left over the holidays. Spread the love by telling us on social media how you’re supporting your local small businesses, using the hashtag #LoveYourLocalBiz.