Last-minute shopping?

Consider supporting local retailers

By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist 
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Whether or not you’ve stepped foot in a retailer this month, you’re aware that this time of the year is crazy with the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. A recent Forbes article outlined consumer trends for the 2024 holiday season. When it comes to retailer size, the data draws a clear conclusion. Consumers are in favor of shopping at small businesses this year.
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According to findings from an AT&T Business Survey cited in the article, 74 percent of consumers believe small businesses offer better, more unique holiday gifts. 76 percent say that small businesses provide better customer service compared to larger retailers.  
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​Small, Milwaukee-based retailers weighed in on the holiday season’s business impact.
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​Amy Fallucca, the founder of the sustainably designed athleisure brand COMFYIST, shared that “At COMFYIST, the holiday season is a time when we see the incredible impact of shopping locally. Every purchase not only supports our small business but also helps strengthen the greater Milwaukee community by keeping dollars in our local economy and fostering a sense of connection.”
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Wheel & Sprocket, a local bike store, has been a community staple for 50 years. Although Wheel & Sprocket is an extremely seasonal business – much of its revenue made between April and August – the business echoed Fallucca’s sentiment that shopping at small local retailers fosters community support and connection. 
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“With more people shopping on big, convenience-based e-commerce, less and less people are leaving their homes to shop. But for a product such as a bicycle, which is a highly personalized item – it almost requires the customer to test-ride a bike and get a feel for the product. More importantly, we believe the fabric of our lives should really start and end where we’re living – supporting people who give jobs to and create community. We’ve been around for 50 years in a very challenging industry. Our community who treats us as ‘THEIR local bike shop’ keep us here,” said Wheel & Sprocket marketing manager Tessa Kegel.  
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Highlighted by Forbes, a QuickBooks report reveals that 93 percent of consumers plan to shop small this season, generating $76 billion in sales.  
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“By choosing local retailers, shoppers are giving the gift of community and helping small businesses like ours thrive,” said Fallucca.