Local is Lovely!
Have you ever felt a pang of guilt after clicking “Add to Cart” on a product shipped from halfway across the world? Or maybe you’ve wondered if your hard-earned cash is truly making a difference in your community? If so, it’s time to rediscover the joys of shopping local.
There are many reasons why you should and I’m looking at a few below. We moved into our studio about 4 years ago and one of the things we love most is the local community. The shops, the people – getting to them over the past few years confirmed to us that the move from Falkirk to be more local to where we live in Edinburgh is totally worth it.

Supporting Your Neighbours
One of the things I love about being based on Easter Road is the variety of locally owned shops that are perfect for picking up some fantastic ideas for gifts or food when hosting friends.
When you buy from a local business, you’re not just getting a product; you’re supporting the people who live and work in your area. Think about it: the money you spend goes directly back into your community. It helps local families put food on the table, funds community projects, and keeps your community vibrant.
Smaller Carbon Footprint
We can be put off by the way the media represents the changes being made for climate care, but our small actions can make a difference.
One of the biggest benefits of buying local is the reduced environmental impact. If we can buy things that are produced locally or someone has already imported a product that doesn’t need to be shipped in again. All these small things can build up to a bigger impact if everyone gets involved.
Unique and Personalised Service
Local businesses often offer a level of personalised service that you just can’t get from big corporations. They’re more likely to know your name, remember your preferences, and go the extra mile to make sure you’re happy. Plus, you’re more likely to find unique, one-of-a-kind products that you won’t see on the shelves of national chains.
It is definitely one of the things we love about running our own business – getting to know people, their dogs, cats, aunties. The joy we have of seeing someone who is thrilled with the final product knowing that in some cases it actually made a difference in their life – makes running and owning a business worth it.
Boosting the Local Economy
When you shop local, you’re helping to create a thriving local economy. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, providing jobs, supporting local charities, and contributing to a more vibrant and diverse marketplace. We love supporting our community because they support us. So, let’s keep our high streets buzzing by choosing local whenever we can.
Discovering Hidden Gems
I love discovering that there are hidden gems in your own backyard. Whether it’s a bespoke piercing studio, a cosy café, a delicious deli, or beautiful bakery, (I’ve gone mad for alliteration!), supporting local businesses allows you to connect with the people and places that make your community special.
For instance, when you have events like the Colony of Artists who live across the road from our studio you truly see the amazing mix of what a community has around it. We’re so lucky to have that on Easter Road, Abbeyhill and our surroundings, but the whole of Edinburgh is the same.

So, what are you waiting for?
Let’s make a conscious effort to shop local and support the businesses that make our communities great. From independent boutiques to our local vegetable grocers, there’s something for everyone. So, next time you’re looking for a gift, a meal, or simply a reason to get out of the house, remember to choose local.
Your community will thank you!
We look forward to hearing about the gems you find and why not when you’re out and about come say hi to us!
