WHAT SHOP LOCAL MEANS TO US

#ShopLocal gets talked about a lot these days, but what does it really mean when you choose to support your local businesses?

Well, give yourself a pat on the back—because when you spend local, you help make all of this happen:

You keep your dollar local.
Shopping with us keeps money circulating right here in our community, supporting New Zealand wholesalers, makers, and service providers.

You support makers and creators.
We love discovering pieces from talented NZ artisans. When you buy them, you help keep those creative businesses thriving too.

You support local jobs.
Good Thing now employs six local women, plus a local bookkeeper and accountant. Your support helps us pay wages that go straight back into doctors, cafés, mechanics, fruit shops—you name it—strengthening our shared local economy.

You back entrepreneurship.
Starting a small business takes guts. Your choice to shop local tells small-business owners their risks were worth it. With 97% of NZ businesses being small or micro, entrepreneurs really do keep this country moving.

You help keep your main street interesting.
Unique local stores bring charm and personality you won’t find in malls. They make your neighbourhood walkable, enjoyable, and full of discovery.

You strengthen community.
Local stores are your places. You’re recognised, welcomed, chatted to, and genuinely cared about. It’s the kind of connection that only comes from shopping where people know you.

You support local engagement.
Those school raffles, quiz nights, kindy galas, charity drives—we donate to those because you support us.

You enjoy real customer service.
Our team knows the products, loves helping, and offers suggestions, gift wrapping, and friendly conversations you simply can’t get from a big chain.

You help keep local businesses alive.
Regular, loyal customers are the reason independent stores make it to ten years (thank you!). If you love a place, use it—your visits really do matter.

You help make us a destination.
When you gift something from us, wear our clothes, or recommend us to friends, you help others discover us—online and in person.

So, what else can you do to support #ShopLocal?

Pop in for a browse or a chat—little visits create a lovely buzz.
Follow, like, and comment on social posts—algorithms love it.
Bring friends and family in—we’d love to meet them.
Spend when you can—even small purchases help during tough times.
And if you love what we do, tell someone!

Thanks to Fullers Book Shop in Hobart for the original spark. Over our ten years of owning Good Thing, we’ve always made a point of seeking out independent stores wherever we travel—they give a place real soul. Fullers did exactly that for me on a trip to Tasmania, and their shopping bag inspired this reflection on what #ShopLocal means to us. Thanks for reading—and for being part of the Good Thing community for a whole decade.