4 STANDOUT EXPERIENCES OF SHOPPING SMALL

I’m going to start with a confession… I’m a total Joanna Gaines wannabe. If you tell me I kind of look like her, I’ll probably keep you on my list of favorite people forever. Joanna has been a role model of mine for years—not just because of her style or her business empire, but because of where it all started.

Before Magnolia became what it is today, Joanna was deeply rooted in her hometown of Waco, Texas. She focused on local shops, one-of-a-kind finds, and telling the stories behind each piece she put into a home. That authenticity and love for community is what gave her work so much depth—and it’s what sparked my own passion for small businesses.

It’s about the experiences and connections that come along with it. And that’s something big box stores can never replicate.

Here are four ways small businesses turn a simple purchase into something lasting:

The people are what make small businesses unforgettable. You're able to find staff or owners who are excited that you’re there, radiate a sincere joy when you find something special, and genuinely care about your experience. This is an example of how shopping small can feel more like making a meaningful connection than making a transaction.

My favorite example lately? Candor Market - Mebane, NC

Buying local means your dollars directly support your community. Every purchase uplifts farmers, makers, and artisans from the area. Walking through a market feels like stepping into the heartbeat of the city— the impact of your purchase is immediate and visible.

My favorite spot that highlights this is Boston Public Market.

What can set small shops apart is when customers get the chance to do more than just browse, turning shopping into a fun, engaging activity! The same spirit comes alive through community workshops and maker events. You’re connecting with community members, getting a chance to be creative, and learning new skills. It’s the kind of shopping that turns into a memory… and keeps you coming back!

Two places that stand out to me as interactive are The Mercantile in Rock Hill, S.C. and Makes Scents in Columbia, MO.

Joanna Gaines has shown us how powerful curation can be—how choosing every piece with care gives a space meaning and heart. Instead of filling shelves with anything and everything, she carefully handpicks items that tell a story, often from local makers and artisans.

Little Shop on Bosque was her first venture and my favorite example reflecting that philosophy.

Especially when living in a world where it can seem like convenience and low prices will always win. It’s not about being the biggest, or offering anything and everything. It’s about being unique, thoughtful, and rooted in community.

Share your story, create experiences, and let people see the heart behind your work. And if you’re a customer, remember the power your purchases carry. That favorite restaurant, salon, or little shop down the street? Those places exist because people like you choose them.