Authentic Local Shopping

Buying locally and from small independent businesses is very important to me. Choosing to buy local is a great way to get started on your journey towards sustainability whether you’re traveling or going about your everyday life. So many shops and markets are stocking items produced in China or India both at home and abroad. Its vital to support local businesses by buying their goods. Now sometimes this is more expensive but if we don’t support hand-crafted goods then it will no longer be possible to buy hand-crafted goods when these businesses cease to exist, which would be a huge shame.

 As conscious consumers, it’s important we think about buying souvenirs more as a way to support and to learn about the communities we visit rather than just about a memento of our trip. Many shops and markets are flooded with ubiquitous souvenirs that can be found anywhere in the world, so why not buy locally made handicrafts instead. Research has found that people are more likely to use and keep locally-crafted souvenirs for longer. Handcrafted jewellery is often more eye-catching than a snow globe which can be found in destinations all over the world. Look- out for items made from recycled materials and sourced directly from craftspeople in markets, villages and road side stalls. 

Friends and family appreciate a gift that is out of the ordinary and one they can use rather something that gets thrown in a drawer or the bin when you're not looking. A big part of responsible travel is supporting the local community, helping it to grow and flourish. It’s making small choices that make a big impact on local economies. The global souvenir business is worth billions of pounds and often provides vital income to the people who need it most, but in a largely unregulated industry, it’s almost impossible to stop the flood of cheap imports that take business away from genuine local crafts people. It is through shopping that you, as a traveller can directly affect a positive, responsible tourism outcome.

When I travelled around Spain, I spent a little bit of time (well quite a bit of time really) looking in traditional shops rather than the high street shops. It is possible to shop in many of the same shops as in the UK, even Primark has come to Spain. But the question I ask is why would you want to buy the same things you can get from home? Visiting local communities is a great way to find unique souvenirs and support local craftspeople and traditions. When you talk to locals that aren’t representing a corporate brand, you really get the chance to find out what daily life looks like in their hometown. You get a more in-depth view when you shop at small, locally-owned businesses. If people live in the same community where they own a business, they’ll be more invested in the needs of their community. Their decisions won’t just be about what’s best for their business but hopefully will take into account local needs. 

Trying to get closer to the source of production and engaging with artisans, allows you to discover more. Many artisans are proud of their wares and like to imagine their products finding a good home. If you can get the story directly from the artisan, the object comes to life with its story.

 I have found some wonderful authentic shops selling baskets, hats, ceramics and so much more. I think to buy a product which is locally made by hand is a very special thing. By doing this it ensures the survival of rural crafts and supports local business. Unfortunately, in Britain we have started to lose many traditional crafts and young people are not learning these skills, this is such a huge loss on many levels. We have to recognize this and place value in craftspeople from all nationalities, unless we only want to buy shoddy mass-produced merchandise in the future.

I hope this is food for thought.