The Coastal Shopping Club and how it all got started

I spent a long time trying to sell a great product in an oversaturated market. Was it a waste of time…there were certainly moments when it felt like it. But in those 3 years I learnt a lot. I found an amazing community in Florida and specifically the Tampa Bay area. A community of hardworking and inspiring small business owners.

Entrepreneurialism is the backbone of US economy. We all know this is the truth…but why don’t we talk about it more? My newsfeed is a forever stream of information about a few select very powerful men who own a handful of the country’s businesses. Seemingly suggesting that they make up the majority of economic wealth, prosperity and hope in the U.S.A.

In fact, small business entrepreneurialism has been a defining force in U.S. history. It has driven economic expansion, innovation, and global influence. From the early pioneers to the current tech start-ups. The U.S. has fostered and nurtured a culture that both encourages and supports business creation.

Small businesses account for nearly 44% of all U.S. economic activity. They employ around 46% of the private workforce – that’s a staggering 61.6 million people. With that they therefore create two-thirds of new jobs in the country and contribute over 43.5% to the U.S. GDP.

So, the awkward question is… how often do you actively support small businesses? How often do you see something you want to buy and actively look for a small business that sells the same or similar?

Because the reality is that local businesses recirculate 48% of their revenue into the community, compared to only 14% from large retail stores. For every $100 spent at a local business, an estimated $48 stays within the area, compared to only $14 when spent at a big chain. Read that again and take a moment to let it sink in…. when you personally spend with a small business or local enterprise almost 50% will be put back into your, or their, community.

The Coastal Shopping Club business is based in Florida, so I’ll take this state as the example, it is home to an incredible 3.1 million small businesses, that constitutes for 99.8% of all businesses in the state. Yet how many times in the last month have you chosen to shop at Target? In 2023, Florida had one of the highest rates of new business applications – a staggering 29.4 applications per 1000 residents. My point is that we have no excuse in Florida…shopping local has never been easier!

But it isn’t just about Florida…across the USA those who support small businesses and entrepreneurs also support local infrastructure, schools, and public services. Wherever you live the reality is that when you shop local you support all other elements of your community that you need, want and appreciate.

So, what does all of this mean for you? It means that every dollar you spend has power. It means that by making a conscious choice to support small businesses, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re investing in a community. 

And that’s how The Coastal Shopping Club got started — it’s a curated marketplace designed to make shopping small effortless. From apparel to skincare and beyond, we bring together high-quality, coastal-inspired products, all crafted in Florida, U.S.A. Supporting small businesses has never been easier, and with The Coastal Shopping Club, you can shop with purpose while embracing the lifestyle you love. 

Thank you for joining us in making a difference—one purchase at a time.