Small Businesses Should Be a Big Topic
Courtesy of Marketplace.org
Written By: Regan Daley
What’s the last clothing store you shopped in? Was it a large chain store, like Macy’s, Madewell, or American Eagle, at the King of Prussia Mall? Follow-up question – when was the last time you shopped at a small, local clothing store? Small businesses, such as your local boutique, are the backbone of the U.S. economy accounting for 99.9% of all American businesses. So next time you need to add to your wardrobe, consider strolling the streets of your neighborhood, rather than the fluorescent-lighting corridors of the local mall. (And I don’t know about you, but I ALWAYS get lost in the KOP mall.)
Why shop at small, local businesses? Because your dollars have a direct impact on the community
Small businesses are struggling to compete with big chains because they don’t have the depth of resources and the deep pockets of the retail giants. And, with the pandemic slashing our economy, many small businesses and boutiques had to shutter their doors. Some facts:
• 50% of small businesses fail in first 12 month; only 25% are still around 15 years or more.
• 32.8% of all small businesses close their doors because of poor financial income.
• 19.6% of small businesses close because of intense competition from other companies.
• 18.75% of small businesses decline because of a slowly growing rate of the company.
• 17.5% close because the economy and buyers forget about the businesses.
(https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/small-business-statistics/)
Small businesses deserve your support
Most of us want to live in thriving communities. To ensure that happens, it is critical to support local businesses. Yes, you might spend a few dollars more for a sweater or top, but consider it an investment in your local community. Consumers can make a conscious decision to buy local and support small businesses in their neighborhoods.
If you’re ready for some retail therapy this weekend, consider paying a visit to a few small businesses just down the road from the Villanova campus:
• Styche Boutique: https://www.shopstyche.com/about-us
Started in 1996 by a brother and sister, Styche Boutique is located in the charming neighborhood of Ardmore and boasts high-quality and luxury fashion. Styche assists in helping buyers find a specialized and quality look that fits their personality with fashion coming around the world. From Europe to Los Angeles, to New York City, Styche Boutique offers “chic, casual, and timeless pieces.” Next time you’re in the area, stop by and visit Styche Boutique.
Courtesy of STYCHE BOUTIQUE
• Lovebirds Boutique: https://shoplovebirds.com/collections/clothing
Situated in the cozy town of Wayne, Lovebirds Boutique offers a wide range of clothing and products. Ornament your house with specialty home decorate and find the perfect fall look with their quality denim and sweaters. A high-end boutique, Lovebirds offers stylish corduroy jackets, warm fall and winter sweaters, and quality jeans and pants. This wide range of products and offerings contribute to the lovely personality of the company and it is definitely worth a look.
Courtesy of Lovebirds Boutique
• Kindred Collective: https://kindredbrynmawr.com
In the charming town of Bryn Mawr, Kindred Collective is a family business, founded by a mother and daughter. The style of Kindred Collective is “where West Coast meets East.” Visit the charismatic boutique and find stylish women’s apparel, like their comfy Rugby Shirt, fashionable belts and bags, snug blankets and other homeware, and adorable clothing for younger children as well. “Simply effortless” and a “free-spirited oasis,” Kindred Collective is a small business you definitely don’t want to skip over.
Courtesy of Kindred Collective
• Out There Outfitters: https://outthereoutfitters.com/
Out There Outfitters is one of the Philadelphia area’s largest suppliers of gear and clothing for the outdoor enthusiast. Located in Wayne, Out There Outfitters offer quality brands, such as Birkenstock, Hydro Flask, KEEN, Salomon, Sorel, Smartwool, and a large selection of lifestyle apparel, footwear, and accessories.
Courtesy of Out There Outfitters
Next time you go out for a shopping spree, grab a warm cup of coffee, or iced coffee or tea if those are more your style, and go for a stroll and explore the small businesses surrounding campus. The uniqueness of these small businesses will open your eyes to more fashion options. Break away from the chains...support local small businesses...and give back to the community that we call our home away from home.