7 Ways Local Shops Save The Day
When Shipping Deadlines Hit, What Do You Do?
Christmas is only a few weeks away, meaning shipping deadlines are getting tighter. The chance of getting something and finding out it isn’t exactly what you wanted would be an even bigger inconvenience now.
While online shopping has many benefits, now is the time to turn to reliable in-store shopping, but where should you go? Big box stores are likely down to the least desirable items. Everyone shopping there, now or at the last-minute, is getting a variation of the same thing. Talk about a double-gifting nightmare.
On top of that, where did their items come from, who made them, and how were they treated? So if online has you flustered and big stores are just offering the same thing over and over, plus poor quality and bad labor practices, where do you turn?
The Answer: Shopping Local
The answer is simple, and it has been right here for you the entire time: small businesses. Now is the time to look to your local shops and crafters, the handmakers, and farmers. It may not be enough time for custom orders, but you will know who made it and that your gift is both unique and meaningful. Believe it or not, that’s just the beginning.
At Latitudes Fair Trade store, we aren’t just a local business; we are also a fair trade store. We are dedicated to improving the lives of artisans all over the world, from impoverished areas in the global south to co-ops of young mothers in Chicago, Illinois. The world is at your fingertips in our store, both geographically and in what we offer.
Not only do we pride ourselves on our online store, but once shipping deadlines hit, we also have an amazing storefront waiting for you. Interested in how we can help you this holiday? Here’s what we do differently.
1. One Stop Shop, From Gift To Wrapped
When you shop with us, we can provide you with what you need to get it gift ready right at checkout. Choose from our complimentary Latitudes-branded bags, boxes, and tissue paper or shop from our selection of sustainably handcrafted gift bags in store!
2. Shop with Confidence
See it, feel it, try it when you shop in-store. Try on clothing, feel testers of our lotions, touch the blankets and napkins. When you can see and feel what you’re taking home, you can feel confident that you have exactly what you need.
3. Personal Service
We are real people dedicated to what we do and passionate about our products and artisans. If you have questions or want to chat about a product, we are in-store with you and ready to help with whatever you need.
4. No Extra Waiting
When you shop in-store, you walk out with what you buy. Don’t wait for processing, shipping, or shipping delays. Feel good about what you buy and take it right home with you.
5. Easy, Impactful Last Minute Shopping
Everything is handmade and fair trade meaning your purchase supports a fair, living wage and safe working conditions for the artisans, as well as the use of sustainable materials. No matter what you buy, you’re making an impact. Your gift is sure to be meaningful and unique no matter when you get it.
6. Experience Small Town Holiday Magic
We would love for you to shop with us, plus when you visit us in-store, you are near so many amazing events and local shops. There is something incredible about supporting your local community cozied up in your winter gear with a cup of coffee or cocoa from a local cafe.
7. Make Dreams Come True
It’s never easy being a small business, but it is always worth it. At Latitudes Fair Trade, you are making dreams come true for artisans everywhere alongside your local business owner and their employees. You support real people and their families, real change, and real lives. Plus, you get to witness the impact in real time.
The holidays can feel like magic when you support artisans, small businesses, and your local community. Check off every person on your gift list at Latitudes Fair Trade and feel confident in giving a gift they’ll really love. Find your nearest location from our three independent stores located in historic Virginia downtowns: Fredericksburg, Warrenton, and Staunton.
We can’t wait to see you and help you bring holiday magic to everyone you love. Take a peek at what we offer online here or head to our store locator for directions and hours. Happy shopping!