Shop Locus
There’s nothing like shopping local.
Local friends: have you heard of Shop Locus? I hadn’t either before they reached out and I am so glad they did. After digging through their website and getting to chat with their founders, Jill and Eric, it was clear that we aligned on our approach to and support of “living local”. Their entire concept serves both the small businesses they partner with, as well as the members that are a part of their community.
I was able to spend a day visiting the boutiques that are currently working with them as well as use their website to make a purchase online. Both were great; was able to use my membership discounts in the stores and then after heading home and having regret over a book I left behind, was able to order it through the site. Ordering/check-out was seamless (always a plus when that process isn’t clunky).
I shared my day of visiting the shops and ended it with asking for your questions. I figured this was a great way to help introduce more of their story as well as cover any “housekeeping” questions about how they function. Here we go…
Who are they?
Shop Locus is a company, website, community, and connector. In one? Yep, all in one. The website is the main conduit for their business. This is where members can connect with local shops, discover exclusive discounts, and of course, shop.
I’ve noticed their signs in a couple shops, how does it work? Is it online too?
Shop Locus partners with local businesses to help grow awareness and connect them with potential consumers and vice versa. Each store gives members a discount when they’re shopping in store (anywhere from 10-20% off your purchase). You can also shop on their website. This gives the convenience of shopping online, but pulls results from the businesses that are a part of their site. For example, if you’re looking for a shirt, it will pull up shirts from the different stores on one page. Essentially, you’re able to engage with the site just like you would when you’re online shopping anywhere, but you’re shown products to purchase that are sourced from local businesses.
Do you have to be a member?
You don’t have to be a member to simply shop their site. However, being “part of the club” gives you access to the discounts I mentioned along with other member perks like direct messaging the shops about items, personal shopping, and referral bonuses for telling pals about them.
Is there a cost to be a member?
A Shop Locus membership is just $20 for the entire year. With the in-store discounts you get, this is 1). a deal and 2). a great way to support shopping local. Love the idea of gifting a membership to someone to help them shop in their community all year long. They also gave me a special discount to share with you of 25% off an annual membership. Click HERE to sign up (code/discount will be automatically generated for you).
If you order online, how do I get my stuff?
When you checkout on the site, you’re given the option to pick up the items in-store or have them delivered to you (for now, this is just available to local residents). Another great member perk is free local delivery on any order over $35.
What stores are involved?
The folks at Shop Locus have gathered a fantastic collection of shops as they launch this concept. They continue to add stores and restaurants to help you discover new local favorites you might not have known about before. Below is a list of the shops they’re currently working with-you can click on any of them for more information including what member discounts they offer.
Grand Rapids
Rockford
I would love to hear your thoughts and if any of you are Shop Locus members. Don’t forget that if you aren’t already, they gave me a discount to share with you: 25% off a membership! Click HERE for an automatic discount to be applied (code will populate for you).
Send any questions you have my way. Happy shopping!
Sincerely,
Ashley
*I partnered with the folks at Shop Locus for this post, but the opinions and content are my own.