Let's be honest, most people consider shopping one of their hobbies. Shopping for clothing is one of the biggest parts of our society, but sometimes people don't realize that the retail industry has one of the biggest effects as well.
"Fast fashion," or big chain retailers like Forever 21, H&M, and Charlotte Russe, provide convenience and trend for the masses, so there's no wonder why they are so popular. But has anyone every really stopped to think of how these fast fashion retailers are effecting our world?
I have made it a personal goal to clear my closet of fast fashion, and build a wardrobe I can be proud of. Along the way, I have learned a lot of lessons about the fashion industry, so here are 11 reasons why you should shop local, rather than big chain retailers:
1. You're literally supporting someone's dream.
If you walk into a local boutique, you'll more than likely run into the owner. They're usually very hands-on, and love to be in their store. Next time you see them, realize that that is probably their lifelong dream that they are seeing come to life. Now, who wouldn't want to support that?
2. They have more unique products.
Want to find some one-of-a-kind jewelry? Or a keychain with a sassy saying? Or a local artist's work? You can find it at local retailer. The best thing about that? Not everyone and their mom will have it. Finding unique products is part of the fun of shopping, and it really helps refine your style.
3. The owner will probably become your personal stylist.
Owners of local retailers are trained and experienced in what looks good. Most will go to college for this purpose. Since these owners choose to make this their living, so they're more than willing to give you their expertise. They love building relationships with customers, and they're always at their stores. Know what that means? You can probably walk in at any time and basically get styled by them, just name the event you're buying for.
4. Speaking of, you build personal relationships.
Owners not only make it a point to get to know their customers, but they want their employees to as well. Some even go as far as to have a "little black book" in the back to keep track of regular customers names and faces. Seeing someone put that much effort into their customers is so refreshing in a growing digital world.
5. Quality over quantity.
Fast fashion retailers move product so quickly and sell it for so cheap that the tank top you just bought for $5 will probably rip the second time you wear it. If you just want a one-time party outfit, then, by all means, go for it, but fast fashion is not sustainable for building a wardrobe. And if you think about it, it's much more useful to buy a garment that is going to last you, than to continually keep spending money on cheaper items.
6.The products are sourced more locally.
Local retailers usually buy their product from markets that are closer to them. They can go and choose the highest quality that they want, and give you the best price. The products are more unique, because they're coming from a single market, and they're not being distributed in mass quantities all over the world.
7. You don't know where fast fashion is coming from.
On the flip side of the previous, there have been many scandals of fast fashion retailers outsourcing their product from other countries. Many of the corporations don't take the time to check out the working conditions of the factories they use, and some news stories have reported on fast fashion retailers using factories with extremely low paid workers and sweatshop-like conditions.
8. You help your local economy.
Small retailers are helpful to your local economy because they stimulate more business. The uniqueness and intrigue can bring in local customers from all over the city. If you live in a tourist town, they're especially useful. They also give employment opportunities to the people in your community, which is, of course, a positive.
9. Local businesses do a lot of community outreach.
Local retailers love to support their communities. Whether it be sponsoring a children's baseball team, creating fundraisers for the high school drill team, or working with the local college's fashion program and providing opportunities for them, local retailers are always there. Many host clothes drives, and provide clothing at special prices for those who need it. Isn't that something you want in your community?
10. Local businesses make your community more unique.
Don't we all want to live in that cute town that everyone loves to visit? Local retailers provide a character for your town that fast fashion just can't match up to. Whether it's a charming southern boutique or a trendy urban store, you know you're not going to find anything else like it, wherever you go.
11. Fast fashion is bad for the environment.
Remember those factories I told you about? Those are REALLY bad for the environment. Along with that, fast fashion often uses chemically treated fabrics, which isn't just bad for the environment, it's bad for you too.
