Localisation: business opportunities
Do we really need to say it? Start a small business!
There’s never been a better time to start a small, independent shop in your local area. A butcher? A bakery? A candlestick makery?
And it’s not just where we shop that has changed. As we’ve all had a lot more time to reflect on what we’re buying and where we’re buying it from, the gradual shift towards more ethical and environmental shopping practices that was already occurring has seen a significant acceleration during the pandemic.
There’s a growing preference for the kind of authentic, artisanal, high-quality products and experiences that small shops excel in. According to Sass & Belle, 65% of shoppers are making a conscious effort to buy eco-friendly gifts this Christmas, and 27% are aiming to buy cruelty-free presents.
Help other people shop local
It’s also great to see startups that are helping people to find and support local businesses.
The Neighborly app is a local social network that helps people connect with each other and support their local communities, and functions as a marketplace for any local traders to sell their goods and services. Users are encouraged to leave feedback and reviews to help foster a sense of trust and community.
There are also sector-specific apps like Bookshop, which launched earlier this year to help independent bookshops compete against the likes of Amazon by both directing people to their nearest bookshop, and evenly distributing its revenue among the independents on its platform.
It should be noted that, while Bookshop was hailed when it arrived in the UK in November, not all independents think it’s all it’s cracked up to be. Nevertheless, that leaves plenty of room for new startups to enter the market with better alternatives.
via https://www.AiUpNow.com/ by Henry Williams, Khareem Sudlow
