May is National Small Business Month!
In a world where Amazon and chain retailers dominate the consumer landscape, it’s easy to overlook the value that small brands and businesses bring to our economy, culture, and communities. In this post, we’ll share why you can make your dollars go farther by “shopping small” and supporting independent outdoor gear brands and gearmakers like Diamond Brand.
1. INNOVATIVE Products and QUALITY Craftsmanship
Small brands and businesses specialize in crafting unique, high-quality products that you won’t find in larger chain stores. A curated selection of charming and bespoke products far surpasses the generic offerings of big retailers and promises a more meaningful and enriching experience that resonates with individual preferences and values. Talk about retail therapy!
By supporting small businesses, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re investing in the artistry, passion, and craftsmanship behind it. Behind every small business is a dedicated entrepreneur or family who has put their heart and soul into pursuing their dreams and making a difference for the greater good. So you’re not just making a purchase; you’re fueling aspirations, empowering individuals, and fostering a culture of creative entrepreneurship, near and far.
Small businesses are often at the forefront of innovation, driving creativity and pushing boundaries in various industries. Their agility and willingness to take risks contribute to the development of new products, services, and business models. Small businesses are more adaptable and responsive to changing market conditions and customer preferences. Their ability to pivot quickly allows them to stay competitive and thrive in dynamic environments.
Diamond Brand prides itself on making handcrafted outdoor gear, meticulously constructed for durability, functionality, and performance. We focus on timeless yet thoughtful designs that promote integrity, circularity, and longevity.
2. Personalized Service and Expertise
Unlike big-box retailers, small businesses typically offer personalized service and support that can’t be matched. They are often more invested in the quality of their products and services and thus will go above and beyond to offer options and solutions tailored to the needs of each customer.
Partnering with a small business also ensures the utmost consideration and collaboration throughout your project lifecycle. From initial inquiries to final delivery, our customers benefit from personalized assistance, seamless communication, and transparency. This approach fosters trust and confidence, assuring that your needs are met with precision and care.
At Diamond Brand, we’ve been making outdoor gear for over 100 years, so we’ve learned a thing or two. With our decades of experience, you can count on us to provide expert recommendations, and helpful advice and to bring unparalleled insight and efficiency to every project. We also happily offer customizations for every order. This allows you to get the product you want and need, tailored to your unique preferences, specifications, and requirements.
We care deeply about our customers and partners, as if they were family. We are here to build relationships that last for the long haul so we are not afraid to go the extra mile to ensure the best service and satisfaction.
3. Community Engagement and Support
Small businesses are the fabric and backbone of local economies, contributing significantly to employment and economic growth. In the United States alone, small businesses account for a staggering 99.7% of businesses, and thus employ millions of people worldwide, highlighting their vital role in driving growth, progress, and prosperity at a grassroots level.
When customers support local businesses, the majority of the money spent tends to circulate back into the local economy. Unlike taxes paid to large corporations or online retailers, taxes from small businesses directly benefit the community, supporting essential government initiatives and infrastructure such as education, healthcare, roads, and transportation.
Small businesses are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. They employ local workers, sponsor local events, support charitable causes, and contribute to the overall vitality and economy of the area. By supporting these establishments, you’re investing in your community’s economic and social growth, strengthening social bonds, and promoting collective well-being.
Diamond Brand is proud to support green job growth and to partner with dozens of like-minded local and regional organizations each year in our mission to support people, the planet, and prosperity. We also believe in treating our employees like family, and are always looking for new talent.
4. Sustainability & RESPoNSIBILITY
Many small businesses prioritize social responsibility and environmental stewardship in ways that larger corporations often don’t, or can’t. They tend to…
- Occupy existing buildings, minimizing the need for new construction and preserving green spaces
- Promote the values of transparency and accountability
- Prioritize ethical practices across their supply chains, such as sourcing locally, and paying fair and living wages.
- Play a pivotal role in preserving the planet, advocating for conscious consumption and less environmental impact.
Diamond Brand Gear emphasizes eco-friendly manufacturing through its upcycling and repair programs that reduce textile waste and save valuable natural resources. By choosing to support environmentally conscious businesses, consumers can play a part in fostering a more sustainable future and reducing our carbon footprint
Small businesses are agile and adaptable, capable of responding swiftly to changing market trends and preferences. With a focus on customer-centric solutions, they serve as incubators for new ideas and drive continuous improvement within their industries, and beyond. They’re able to embrace initiatives, programs, and principles that build resilience, drive innovation, and create a positive impact on society and the environment. Together, small businesses have the potential to make a significant difference in achieving a sustainable future for all.
Lastly, small businesses are often custodians of cultural heritage and identity. They’re passionate about preserving traditional craftsmanship and local traditional skills that might otherwise fade away.
Diamond Brand Gear, with its long history rooted in outdoor gearmaking, embodies a rich legacy of American craftsmanship. We care about preserving the heritage craft of sewing, a skill that has been a part of our land and culture for centuries. By supporting small businesses, together we can preserve these cultural touchstones for future generations to enjoy.
The BoTTOM LINE
While big retailers may lure you in with lower prices and fast shipping, the benefits of supporting small businesses and brands extend far beyond the cash register.
Supporting small, independent, and local is much more meaningful and impactful in the long run. It is not just about making purchases—it’s about investing in the future and creating a more sustainable and prosperous world for generations to come.
In a world driven by mass production and corporate conglomerates, independent businesses like Diamond Brand Gear offer a refreshing alternative where quality, authenticity, and community still matter. Shopping small makes a difference, not only in the quality of the product you receive but in the world we all share.
Today and every day, let’s continue to support and champion small independent businesses, recognizing their value and contribution to our society, our communities, and our planet.
Doing Your Part
The next time you’re shopping, remember to stop and think about what and where you want to spend hard-earned money and how your purchase contributes to the world you want to see. CHOOSE WISELY. Do your research on a brand. Learn about what they believe in and stand for, and what steps are they taking to improve the world around them.
Here are 5 simple ways you can support a small business today:
- Shop Smart: Choose local retailers over large corporations whenever possible to support small businesses in your community. Not sure what to buy? Gift cards go a long way and provide much-needed revenue and support.
- Spread the Word: Share your positive experiences with small businesses with your friends, family, and coworkers. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be incredibly valuable for small businesses and help them attract new customers.
- Leave Reviews: Take the time to leave positive reviews for small businesses on review websites, social media platforms, and other online forums. These testimonials can help small businesses attract new customers and build credibility.
- Engage Online: Follow small businesses on social media, and engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing. This helps to increase their visibility and reach a wider audience of customers.
American-Made OUTDOOR GEAR
Diamond Brand has been making quality outdoor gear in the United States since 1881. Being an American gear manufacturer
- Bolsters the local economy by creating jobs that foster economic resilience and reduce dependency on foreign markets.
- Ensures higher quality standards and safety regulations
- Promotes greater innovation and technological advancements while also preserving traditional skills and craftsmanship
We believe that investing in American-made products not only fosters a deep sense of national pride and solidarity but also reinforces an ethos of community and shared prosperity.
Want to support Diamond Brand for the next 100 years? SUBSCRIBE to our email list below, and become a part of our family of outdoor adventurers and environmental enthusiasts.
And the next time you need a canvas wall tent or handmade, upcycled bag, you know where to find us.