On Cyber Monday, support small online retailers across Kentucky | Opinion

As the holiday season approaches, many of us eagerly anticipate the whirlwind of shopping deals that come with Thanksgiving weekend. Black Friday may mark the start of holiday shopping, and Small Business Saturday is a great way to support local businesses. But as e-commerce grows, Cyber Monday has also become a fantastic shopping event to support small businesses.

E-commerce has transformed the retail landscape in ways we could have hardly imagined a few decades ago. It revolutionized the way we shop and opened countless doors for entrepreneurs. Businesses that once relied solely on local foot traffic can now reach customers far beyond their communities, accessing a global marketplace with a few keystrokes. The internet has leveled the playing field in many respects, allowing a good business idea from anywhere to thrive with customers everywhere.

While large corporations have benefited from this digital landscape, small businesses have also capitalized on the rise of online retail. The special handmade piece of jewelry or customized home décor item you’ve been eyeing is more than likely being sold by a small business owner. Consumers realize that small online retailers bring creativity, innovation, and unique products.

Many of the independent retailers you find on platforms like, Etsy, Ebay, Shopify, Amazon or their own websites are entrepreneurs who rely on strong end of year sales to be successful. They are individuals or family-owned businesses pouring their heart and soul into creating one-of-a-kind products.

By choosing to support small online businesses, we can make a tangible impact on their livelihoods. Since many of these entrepreneurs rely on strong Q4 sales, it could mean the difference between downsizing or hiring, cutting down on expenses, or improving operations.

I started a product-based online business, Grace & Grandeur Bow Company in Richmond, in 2020 as a side hustle. It quickly became the exit from my 9 to 5 job, enabling me to stay home with my son after his birth. Like many other young families in the community, my family relies on the income from my online business. Shopping with your local online small businesses greatly impacts so many of us, allowing us to provide for our families while also serving as caretakers for loved ones, supporting our local economy, or pursuing any number of ways to contribute to our community. Your purchases truly make a difference in our lives and our community as a whole.

Consumers can play a big role this Cyber Monday as we scroll through deals and discounts. Many marketplaces like Amazon label small businesses on the product listing or have a separate page with the products compiled. Customers can also become familiar with their local Chamber of Commerce, which provides lists of local small businesses. Even a simple Google search for a product in your area can yield more local options than you thought possible.

Let’s remember that small online retailers make up the backbone of our communities and our economy. Supporting them doesn’t just mean buying a product – it means investing in the ingenuity and hard work of entrepreneurs who are passionate about what they do.

By being more intentional about where we buy on Cyber Monday, we can ensure small businesses have a future in an increasingly digital world. In a season centered on giving, what better way to give back than by sponsoring creative ideas?

Sarah Stillwell is the owner of the local and owner of Grace & Grandeur Bow Co. in Richmond, Ky.