Smart Ways to Support Mom-and-Pop Stores

Mom-and-pop shops are locally owned businesses, often run by families or friends. I recently learned that “National Mom-and-Pop Business Owners Day” is March 29th. The day is meant to honor the small business owners and show support.

With big business in the forefront, these little shops trying to make due seem to get pushed into the background. The whole Covid situation hit mom-and-pop shops hard, but for those digging deep, it became a newfound discovery.

Why Support Mom-and-Pop Shops?

It’s more like, why not?

Mom-and-pop shops come in many shapes, sizes, and varieties. You’ll find restaurants, bookstores, auto-repair centers, and general stores. Each shop offers unique services, products, and knowledge to the local area. Small businesses are essential for several reasons, including:

• It’s a family’s source of income, but it also creates jobs for others.
• It is a way to give back to your community and its members.
• There’s more of a personalized customer experience.
• The money stays in the neighborhood economy.
• It creates an opportunity to build community connections and relationships.
• Increase access to a diverse collection of products and services.
• There’s more focus on quality rather than quantity.

The list of positive aspects of shopping at mom-and-pop shops can go on and on. There aren’t any reasons why we shouldn’t all be supporting one another as individuals and communities.

Ways To Support Mom-and-Pop Stores

As I mentioned, the pandemic caused a struggle for many shops. I wanted to share this website; it can be used to find mom-and-pop shops in your area or wherever you search for them. Many small businesses created an online presence to stay afloat during these challenging times and social distancing.

While buying from a local shop is the ultimate way to provide support, there are more ways that you can help them.

1. Leave Reviews: Small shops usually have a small audience. Leaving good reviews on their website helps. Leave reviews wherever the option is available, don’t forget to check for their social media. This leads us to number two.
2. Social Media: Use your social media platforms to share your experience with mom-and-pop shops that you deal with. Comment on their pages too. If they have a business page, use their business hashtag whenever you mention them. If you aren’t big on posting, privately share your experience through messages, etc.
3. Check Mom-and-Pops First: Before you automatically head to the typical warehouse sellers, check if any small shops offer the same items. There is plenty of opportunity for a better deal that helps support people who need it. You’ll find many things you wouldn’t expect, including personalized and one-of-a-kind items.
4. Toss Something In The Tip Jar: Who couldn’t use an extra dollar or so? Not only is it a few extra bucks at the end of the day, but it shows them you appreciate their business. It hits ’em in the feels and the wallet!
5. Represent Them: If the businesses you shop with have gear with their logo and brand representation, invest in some of it. The part that matters is that you wear the shirt or use the mug when company is around. Invest and represent!
6. Start & Keep A Membership: When I lived in the city, there were a few family-owned gyms where you could work out or pay for professional training. Find local mom-and-pop facilities and if they offer a membership, sign up and stay active.

When we shop at small mom-and-pop shops, we’re positively impacting the lives of those people. Seeing team members’ faces in every transaction creates a bond or relationship between the customer and the company.

That’s something lacking when we buy from major corporations. Everything is always so fast-paced, and crew members seem to change more frequently without being missed. Mom-and-Pop stores have always welcomed me warmly. You can tell they care; it’s what usually starts it all!

-Elaina Garcia

Photo: Tuur  Tisseghem (Pexels.com)