Here’s How To Support Local Through E-Commerce

   Every day, more and more people turn to online shopping. Good news- you can still support local, even from the comfort of your own home. E-commerce opens new doors for small businesses and their customers alike. Here are some ways you can back local online:

1. Buy from local websites or online marketplaces.
Search for nearby shops with their own websites, or browse local sellers on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or Instagram shops. Many small businesses now sell online- supporting digitally counts just as much as visiting in-person.

2. Choose local pickup or delivery when possible.
Opting for local pickup or delivery helps businesses save on shipping and keeps operations more sustainable. Plus, you often get your order faster- and may even meet the creator, artist, or cook behind your product.

3. Follow, share, and engage with local brands online.
Even if you’re not buying today, engaging with posts, leaving reviews, or sharing content helps boost visibility and attract new customers. Every like and share helps your favorite small business, and your community, grow.

4. Remember: Local isn’t just in-store- it’s online too.
Supporting local doesn’t have to mean giving up convenience. Whether you’re shopping from your home or picking up curbside, you are strengthening your community’s economy and keeping local creativity alive.

Local is just a click away. Shop small, strengthen Portland!

Sources:

How eCommerce Platforms Can Support Local Businesses, Sellberry, October 2024

Seven Ways To Support Small Businesses, First National Bank of Omaha, April 2024

12 Ways To Support Local, Basalt Chamber of Commerce