There has always been a debate on whether you should buy food and beverages from large supermarkets or smaller retailers. The answer would often depend on your own budget, as well as your personal circumstances. But, there has recently been a shift when it comes to shopping and buying habits. Instead of being so focused on price and convenience, more customers are being conscious about where they are shopping from and the decisions they make when it comes to food and beverage purchases. In particular, more shopping is embracing small retailers. But, why is this happening?
Offers Healthier Food
Compared to years ago, people are now more health conscious when it comes to their food choices. From choosing products with few ingredients and no additives to looking for low sugar and meat-free choices, people are putting their health first. A lot of shoppers now feel that they can get healthier food from smaller retailers. The idea is, they are going to know a lot more about their produce and where it comes from compared to larger supermarkets and shops. Indeed, a lot of smaller retailers now invest in food traceability. This is when you know the movement of your products through the production line. So, a smaller retailer is going to be able to give you a lot more information on what is contained within a product.
Supports Local People
A lot of customers are proud of where they come from and they love where they live. So, by choosing smaller and local retailers, they are able to support others in their community. This is something that a lot of people are supporting and it has almost become a movement. They would rather give their money to smaller retailers than a larger corporation. Indeed, there is a belief that smaller retailers will benefit more from their money and big companies will not need it.
Allows Ethical Choices
Again, customers are a lot more conscious about where their products come from, as well as how they are made. Not everyone is looking for a cheap deal anymore and it is more than just the price that matters. Consumers want to ensure that brands are following their own ethics and have similar morals to them. A lot more people are doing research into what companies are all about before they make purchases. This means that a customer will have no hesitation in going to a smaller retailer even if they have never heard of them before.
For example, look at what happens with brands using palm oil. A lot of people are no longer buying from them as they want to help to save the orangutans. This is something that was advertised online and it stuck with people. Thus, purchasing from smaller retailers often means that it is easier to be an ethical consumer. You can find out easily where produce comes from and choose whether you want to buy it.