Although small businesses can?t always compete with the blowout deals of the larger retailers, shoppers appreciate the lasting connection they afford.
Whether it?s swapping entrepreneurial horror stories with the owners of a favorite boutique, or getting a handwritten thank-you note from an Etsy store owner, personal touch can?t be manufactured.
So, if you missed Small Business Saturday?the third-annual event strategically sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?you?ve got a few more weeks to make up for it: Take time to shop at a few small businesses this holiday season.
Often, that means shopping local. But with a little research, you can shop small online, too. Here are a few (mostly) lady-owned small businesses that offer great customer service and gifts for your loved ones.
Oyin Handmade
Winter is coming, which means ashy skin on your head, shoulders, knees and toes. But Oyin Handmade, a small business based in Baltimore, has found the cure for dry skin.
The wife-husband duo, Jamyla and Pierre, have been whipping rich creams and botanical styling products together since 2001, and they?ve got product lines for hair, body, men and babies. Not only do the products feel amazing, but they?re also free of petroleum, silicones and parabens. Try the whipped shea butter and the juices and berries hair tonic to keep your hair shiny.
Yokoo Scarves
These scarves can make anyone feel warm?and cool?at the same time. I discovered knitter Yokoo Gibraan?s handmade scarves and hats on Twitter and appreciate her style and attention to detail.
Since 2007, Gibraan has pumped out stylish creations on Etsy, and she was even featured on the site?s ?Handmade Portraits? series. If you?re not a scarf person, check out Gibraan?s other Etsy store, xMOTHERx, which showcases her handmade skirts, dresses and aprons.
Brown Napa Valley
Invited to your boss?s house for a Christmas party? If you?re smart, you?ll bring a hostess gift. An exclusive bottle of wine will set you apart. Try a Zinfandel, Petite Sirah or Chardonnay from Brown Napa Valley, a family-owned vineyard based in Saint Helena, Calif.
Although big-box retailers offer wine at lower prices, the Brown Family?s story and the commitment to their product is quite impressive. The Browns are a perfect example of nurturing their family?s small business.
These are just three small business shops you can access online. But it?s a big retail world out there, so pick your own favorites and share them with us in the comments below.
This article originally published at The Daily Muse here.
The Daily Muse is a Mashable publishing partner that offers career advice for the digital world. This article is reprinted with the publisher's permission.
Source: http://mashable.com/2012/11/28/small-businesses-shop-online/
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