Support Local Businesses

It is often commonplace for Nepalis to take pride in lavish items purchased from abroad or from the branded stores within the nation itself. International brands like Nike, Gucci, Adidas, Louis Vuitton and so on sell in thousands of dollars. In Nepal, some of such brands have their stores in Kathmandu whose customers are the elites and well-to-dos. But apparently, even as Nepal-made items, goods and products face a steep competition from such established brands, some Nepali brands are doing quite well for themselves. One thinks of locally produced wears that sell like hot cakes according to the season. 

Luxury items are a rage in most nations where they are seen as a sign of status, wealth and position. Even in this precarious economy where inflation is rife, companies that sell luxury goods are raking in profits. Then there are tech brands such as Apple, Google, Microsoft and so on that earn billions of dollars’ worth of revenue annually. In a world where brand names sell in the blink of an eye, small and local businesses suffer considerably. Usually, large-scale industries tend to diminish or crush local shops altogether.

 It is seen in towns and cities where supermarkets overtake small and local shops. Local vendors are the worst affected as their livelihood depends mostly on their sales from hand-grown vegetables, fruits and organically sourced products. One thus hears of pleas such as ‘support small business’ and ‘buy local’ to boost the economy of small-scale businesses. Very often, trades run in the family where the younger generations take over reins from their family’s business. As youths step in the shoes of their older generations, they bring to the table their young aspirations and an open mindset to complement their family pedigree. 

However, others might have to start from scratch especially if they are new to their small-scale industries.These industries might produce items such as Ayurvedic cosmetics, perfumes, hand-made decorative items, spices, condiments, snacks, arts and crafts. In cities like Kathmandu, there are occasional market events where vendors can sell their handmade goods and make profitable income. Often youths are seen selling their products and shoppers too seem enthusiastic about buying and supporting local businesses. Their goods range in their scope and offer an opportunity to buy organically sourced, eco-friendly and sustainable products.

Particularly, struggling artists know how important consistent support from repeat customers is. Selling art on an internet age calls for a rigorous online presence and a boost from generous patrons. Arts and crafts do sell but they do so on a small scale and the margin of profit can be quite discouraging. Thus, it is imperative that people be conscious of buying such local and hand-made arts and crafts whenever possible. 

The success of stores that sell nationally made products prove that there is a market for Nepali goods. But it requires a savvy approach to business along with quality products. If the quality and price are worth it, people will definitely spread the word. It doesn’t just help the local business owners, but also sustains national economy in the long-term. Supporting local and small-scale businesses can go a long way in creating income opportunities which give way for such sprouting industries to thrive, locally and nationally.