As the festive cheer blankets the town, so does the rallying cry to support small businesses. Small Business Saturday, local love campaigns—it's all part of the holiday jingle. But hold on, let's unwrap this tradition and explore the nuances beyond the glittery façade.

Christmas Celebration Cake

1. The Myth of the Happy Dance

Contrary to popular belief, not every sale triggers a spontaneous happy dance in small business realms. Order #56789 may be a cause for celebration, but behind it is meticulous planning and dedication. Let's skip the fairy tales and acknowledge the serious commitment of small business owners.

Alice in Wonderland Two-Tiered Cake


This magnificent Alice in Wonderland cake doesn't create itself amidst a dance routine.

2. Ballet Classes vs. Billionaire Yachts

Supporting small doesn't mean bankrolling ballet classes exclusively. Dreaming of a yacht? Small business owners have aspirations beyond the cliché. If billionaires can have yachts, why not a hardworking small-biz owner? It's about earned rewards, not limiting dreams.

Big businesses, with their vast employee base, also contribute significantly. So, supporting small isn't a blanket solution; it's a nuanced choice.

3. The Struggling High Street Reality

High streets are in jeopardy, true. Yet, mere individual support won't revive them. Let's delve into long-term solutions beyond Christmas campaigns. Join your local community, engage with events, and, oh, visit your local Patisserie Valerie for a delightful taste of community collaboration.

Patisserie Valerie New Menu Launch Party

Christmas band-aids won't heal the deep wounds of high street struggles. Let's be strategic for lasting change.

4. Customer Service Realities

Virgin Media's automated responses may irk, but 24/7 personalized service isn't a small business promise. Resource constraints dictate realistic response times. Human interaction? Yes. Instant gratification? Not always.

Pink Sweetheart Cake Delivery London

Pink sweetheart Cake

5. Support vs. Charity

Small businesses aren't charities seeking benevolence. They thrive on genuine customer relationships. Let's redefine "support" from charity to conscious choice. No virtue signalling, just authentic connections.

Two Tiered Salted Caramel Drip Cake

Small businesses aren't surviving on charity. They're thriving through valued partnerships. Choose them for quality, value, and an unparalleled experience.

Let this Christmas be about informed choices, genuine support, and a celebration of the diverse tapestry of businesses that make our communities vibrant. Wishing you a season filled with joy, Reshmi xoxo

5 Responses

Josh

Josh

March 28, 2022

Truth is. Until the last few weeks I have been a die hard small business supporter. And a fool. I have had entirely too many rude small business employees talk to me in a derogatory way or provide crappy customer service. On top of jacked up prices.
The straw that broke my back one week ago was an employee ridiculing my choice of soap as I suffer from being allergic to many soaps with scents and that includes organic. He rudely mentioned. I guess you will bring that back too for a refund. I replied, Skin allergies are nothing to mock and people every day go into shock or hives from such conditions.
And I have been happy with my pure Glycerin soap for 3 months with no complaints. Then I told him would you prefer me to bring back 15 bars of soap that costs me over $2.20 each and just go to Wall Mart and buy the same thing for half that price?
He stated. I just want you to be happy and whatever works for you. I finished off with the reply what works for me is to show some respect to your long time 7 year customers instead of hurling insults in front of other customers/employees causing me embarassment without provocation on my part.I was pissed the hell off. But kept my cool.
Let’s just say. I finally grew up and decided to do Amazon and Wall Mart and quit supporting small business. I got no problem saving money for other stuff and at least Wall Mart treat me with some dignity.

Teena

Teena

December 20, 2021

Sending out memes telling me to “support local business” will get you unfriended from my facebook page every single time. Where I choose to spend my money, is my business.

I have experienced too many small business owners who are rude. This was after they begged for business. After all, small business owners don’t have to answer to a corporate office. Yeah, I totally get it’s your business and you’re independent and don’t have to answer to anyone. But you won’t be getting my money. I’d rather shop at Wal Mart or Target — and to be honest, they have almost everything I need.

Ken Fisher

Ken Fisher

August 29, 2021

Wow! Someone finally agrees with me. A “Mom & Pop no less. You are right on point about virtue signaling. Everyone of course wants small businesses to be successful just not too successful. Walmart is a successful Mom & Pop. Don’t say otherwise because they are. Should they have sopped at 3 stores?; Ten stores?; 100 stores?. And who was to tell them how many stores was enough? The government? No, you & I decided how many stores they should have. The Free Market.

sam

sam

December 06, 2020

I literally thought this was satire.

Angela

Angela

December 22, 2019

I appreciate your perspective. I never thought of the buy small campaign from this angle. It definitely is valid. I may do a happy jig for just a moment when I get an order, then massive anxiety takes over until I hear back from the customer, because I have a product to deliver and expectations (the buyers, sure. but moreso my own incredibly high ones) to meet. And worries – the worries – of what might happen that’s totally out of my control, but could reflect badly on me and my lil “brand”. All said – you summed it up perfectly!

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