Big-box vs. "the little man": 5 reasons why I prefer a small business

Nelson the quilt shop cat, showing off the merchandise

The other day, my husband said some glorious, glorious words. "Would you like to have a break tomorrow and go to (bigger city) to shop at Joann Fabric?"
I pondered. "I don't really need anything there...actually, you know, I'd really rather go to--"
He interrupted, "The quilt shop?"

Yes!! When the weather is gloomy, nothing screams "color therapy" (and to be honest, "retail therapy") for this momma than Sew Many Quilts in Covington, VA. Over an hour away, but well worth the drive!

Today's weather. Hello deer!

Arriving at the Promised Land

I had a wonderful time, browsing leisurely through the rooms of the shop, choosing fabric to incorporate into my crazy patchwork placemats, chatting with the shop owner, and petting handsome Mr. Nelson while he purred luxuriously. On my way home, I mulled over the differences in shopping at a small business instead of going to a big store or a mall. It's not just the fabric store. I also enjoy going to our local health food store, or Mennonite-owned general store, or Farm Supply, for example, for the following 5 reasons:

1 - Small business owners know their merchandise like the back of their hand.

Have you ever asked a big store employee for help in finding something, only to be told "I don't know," "I'm not sure..." or to be led aimlessly up and down aisles while the employee turns out to be as lost as you are?

I asked the owner of this shop if she still had two particular fabrics that I had purchased last fall, and showed her a photo from my Etsy shop that didn't even provide very good detail. Nearly 4,000 bolts of fabric in multiple rooms--and not only did she immediately recognize the fabrics in the photo, but she also walked straight as an arrow to both of them!

2 - Small businesses can offer greater variety within a type of product.

This business, for example, only offers high quality, 100% cotton quilting fabric. By not trying to carry every kind of fabric imaginable, the shop owner is able to provide FAR more choices than your average big-box store that is stocking a little bit of everything.

3 - Small business owners are specialists in whatever they're selling--and can give you genuine personalized service as a result.

Many times, at Joann, I've had the employees who are cutting my fabric ask, sometimes with zero enthusiasm, "What are you making with this?" (I suspect it's a requirement). Then when I tell them, their "oh, that's so nice" response is clearly...automated. Or I've asked something about fabric and heard "I don't really know anything about fabric...I'm better at crafts..." Now don't get me wrong, there are passionate subject matter experts at such stores; I've met them too. But sadly, it's hit and miss.

This shop owner is a quilter herself. I've bounced ideas for combining fabrics off of her, as a sanity check; and today she suggested just the right fabric for the corner squares on a nautical/ocean theme baby quilt I've been asked to make. I had picked out my main pattern and corresponding border, but was unsure what to use on the corners--she pulled down a bolt I hadn't noticed, and it was perfect!

4 - No crowds = more time for you!

It was so enjoyable to talk fabric and plot out a quilt with the store owner without the pressure of other customers waiting their turn, or without the sense that she had a million other things she needed to do. A customer that isn't rushed is a happy customer :)

5 - Shop pets. Need I say more?

This is Nelson the quilt shop cat. He is most enormous, most sleek and silky, and most purry and amiable indeed. If you pet him upon entering, and periodically thereafter, he will reward you with the most assiduous assistance in your shopping. How can being accompanied by a huge, loudly purring cat not make shopping more interesting?

(In our own town, one of the outdoors outfitters has a gorgeous Golden Retriever that hangs out in his store. Another store has a three-legged cat...but I don't recommend trying to pet that one. It's a crabby little thing, not at all like Nelson.)

There are other reasons for supporting small businesses, of course, like how beneficial they are to the community; but these are the 5 that struck me the most, as an average consumer, after enjoying a shopping experience that left me refreshed and happy. Small business owners, you are awesome!!

What is your favorite local, small business, and why? And if you have any "shop pet" photos, please share them!

(The top photo, but also any of the other photos, doubles as my entry(ies) to @juliank's weekly #colourfulphotography and #animalphotography photo contests. @photocontests)