Overcoming your shop local fears... pt. 2

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Any products or stores mentioned are based off my personal experience. 

Today, I will address more common concerns with shopping local...

“I worry that shopping local is out of my budget.” - Sometimes, shopping local is seen as more expensive and sometimes it is true. You are often getting higher quality goods in comparison to big box stores. As a person on a budget though, I’ve been able to make it work for a few different reasons. Firstly, because the goods are higher quality you can get away with giving less. Let’s say I’m giving someone a gift from Forever 21. I end up feeling guilty for the undoubtedly poor quality of item and buy them a few more last minute things which are usually impulse buys which are usually 1) not that useful, 2) not that meaningful, and 3) more expensive. That’s why I like giving locally bought goods. You will typically get a better product that you can feel great about giving.

Sorry, I had to.

I’d like to note, however, that local small shops have clearance items and sales just like any other store. For example, I’ve gotten some really cute Betsy Johnson tights from Circles at half the price because they were on clearance. I’ve worn them multiple times for long nights out and there are no visible tears unlike their big box store counterparts (which I tend to destroy and then end up wearing them for derby). Or, as I mentioned in my previous post, Exile on Main Street will do promotional sales like "buy 3, get 1 free". With as many music fans as I have in my family, this is a totally worthwhile sale. So, go like some local stores on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and keep an eye out for amazing sales! I know you secretly have Facebook already open in another tab right now anyway, so get to it!

"I doubt any local stores will have anything Aunt Clara would like..." - I could see some concerns about your local offerings being too limited. It is easy to visit one of the big box stores (should I just start calling them BBS? Yeah, Imma do that) and pick out a random gift for each person in your family. You may feel less satisfied than eating an overcooked steak, but at least the chore of gift buying is done. Wait… we’re buying these gifts to show our family and friends how much we love them,  right? So let’s do a little research (or I’ll do it for you) and figure out what unique and locally beneficial gifts we can buy right here in stores owned by our neighbors. Chambana has something for everyone! There are stores like Gameday Spirit for the sports enthusiasts, Furniture Lounge for the cool cats you know (and yes, they have everything from $2 stocking stuffers to $300 dining tables, nearly unlimited options!) and places like CV Lloyde Music Center and Skins-N-Tins Drum Shop for the musicians in your life... But wait, wait! I'm getting ahead of myself. We will get to name dropping soon. What I'm trying to explain is that there are many beautiful people in your life and many unique gifts offered locally that you can get for them! With such a large number of locally owned stores in this area, you won't have any issues picking out a gift for each person on your list.

Up next... a couple store suggestions for diff types of people (think: buying for coworkers, your mom, and kiddos)

Overcoming your shop local fears... pt.1

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Any products or stores mentioned are based off my personal experience.

First off, let me overcome some common shop small objections.

 “I don’t know where to start, big box stores have everything I need!” – Perhaps I’m a snob, but getting generic gifts from a big box store does not feel nearly as amazing as getting something unique that goes right back into our local economy.  Giving a gift bought locally feels different, too.  For example, I walk into Exile on Main Street looking for the perfect gift for my bestie. (Wanda Jackson on vinyl, anyone?) Talking about the new releases with owner Jeff (who knows everything about everything) inspires me to pick out a gift for brother-in-law while I’m at it. BAM! I walk outta there with all kinds of new goodies, had a good chat, and most likely took advantage of a buy 3 get 1 free sale ;) It feels awesome to pick out something unique and personal, rather than grabbing the first CD I see on the "Popular" shelf. Bottom line is that big box stores will only have what the general population wants. Your friends are better than that… right?

“I just get everyone gift cards, I don’t have time for picking out presents.” - Cool with me, you know that most of our local stores offer store credit of some kind, right? You can get really creative giving local gift cards. For example, I’d personally LOVE some store credit at Art Mart in Lincoln Square Mall (Urbana) or Carrie’s in Downtown Champaign.  (I’m not begging or anything…) Just pin down who you are shopping for and I’m certain there’s a store for them in this area! (if you're not sure where, just hit subscribe now, because I'll be talking about that soon)

Speaking of gift cards… Give the gift of FOOD! You know those local restaurants that you command Aunt Ruth to go to every time she’s in town? The ones you’re absolutely obsessed with? (Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, I’m lookin’ at you) Those are the types of places you gotta get your local (or even non-local!) friends gift cards to. The stomach is the way to the heart… yadda yadda… its true. Big Grove Tavern is a new obsession of mine. Turns out they sell gift cards, too. There are also amazing cafes and stores like Strawberry Fields, Aroma Café, and WalnutStreet Tea Company that sell caffeinated gifts and accessories for your loved ones. So, if you don’t know whether they’re a tea or coffee person just get them a gift card and sassy mug that says “Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my caffeinated beverage.” Wait, do they make any that generic? Okay, get them one with Snoopy on it instead.

Next up.... 2 more shop local fears and how to overcome them. Coming soon!

Shop Local Chambana + Free Download!

Okay so people get stressed about shopping local. I hear many say that it sounds too difficult, too expensive, too limited, etc. I completely disagree and want to give you my holiday shop small business guide for Champaign-Urbana that will help you realize that shopping local is easy and exciting! Because there are so many great places to shop and people to shop for, this will be a series of posts. You’re welcome ;)

Also, no matter where you are, shopping local and small is of utmost importance! If you're feeling sassy, you can use my simple design shown below as your Facebook cover photo to remind yourself and your beautiful friends to stay committed!

--Chelsea