Online Shopping Trends & Supporting Small Businesses

How Etsy Made a Positive Impact on Small Businesses

Online shopping has taken the media world by storm and has impacted businesses across the globe. Both retail stores and small businesses have suffered an incredible loss in sales as digital shopping has increased over the past two years due to the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020.

Photo by Gene Gallin (2020) “Rally goer holds up a “Small Business fighting for survival” sign at ReOpen NC rally in Raleigh, NC.”

While retailers have been focusing their attention and succeeding in converting their stores into easily accessible digital apps and websites, small businesses have become hidden within the depths of the online market. This can also diminish the personal touch, customization, and high-quality products consumers seek from companies. Small businesses have delivered on building both a brand and community through personability. However, their presence has become hidden among larger corporate companies with the rise in the digital market.

In efforts to let small businesses shine, Etsy has made it sufficient for small businesses and independent artists to share their work and make a consistent income online through their brand gearing toward smaller and unique finds. Individuals seeking the perfect handmade gift for small businesses will find it available through a community-based platform called Etsy. Through Etsy, they showcase sellers with the niche for these consumer needs that put others first. It has given life to small businesses allowing them to thrive in the competitive digital market.

Online shopper Hailee Jarratt explains how her online experience has been made possible to support ‘small’ rather than support mainstream corporations. “It’s been really easy to get cute little homemade gifts for my friends and family without having to worry about going to the store…” states Hailee Jarratt, a frequent Etsy customer.

Photo by John Schnobrich (2018) “Together Now”

With a growing rate of 10% increase in Etsy buyers every year, artists and shops on Etsy have gained an online audience and achieved the void of sales lost in recent years. Today, online shopping continues to rave beyond the retail storefronts. Etsy has claimed that its people and products are nothing less than extraordinary, showing through the raving reviews and well-branded outlook Etsy has received over the last few years. In essence, it provides small businesses and independent artists with the right tools and access to have their part of the digital market phenomenon.

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