Shop Small North Carolina: Why Local Makers Need You Now

North Carolina’s local makers are under pressure. From Black Mountain to Beaufort, artisans, retailers, and craftspeople are doing more with less; facing higher supply costs, smaller margins, and stiff competition from national and online brands.

At Gild Insurance, we see what’s at stake. These aren’t just businesses. They are the soul of North Carolina’s communities. If we don’t act now to support and protect them, we risk losing the creative energy and local character that makes this state thrive.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to shop small North Carolina and to understand what these makers are really up against.

Shop Small North Carolina to Keep Local Businesses Thriving

Nearly 99.6% of all North Carolina businesses are small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. But many of these shops, especially locally made brands, are at risk.

Here’s why:

• Tariff hikes on imported materials like textiles, metals, and ceramics are raising costs for artists, crafters, and manufacturers across the state.
• Small businesses don’t have the same bulk-buying power or storage capacity as national chains, making cost fluctuations harder to absorb.
• Local economic activity is directly tied to small business spending. For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the community (Forbes).

If we want to keep the heart of North Carolina’s economy beating, we must shop small North Carolina and invest in the makers who power our communities.

To help small businesses respond to rising costs and operational strain, Gild created the free Survive Tariffs Runbook. This downloadable guide is packed with practical tips, cost-saving strategies, and insurance insights tailored for makers and retailers navigating today’s volatile market. From sourcing alternatives to managing shipping risks, the Runbook gives local business owners the tools to adapt without losing momentum.

Why Tariffs Are Squeezing North Carolina Makers

The most recent round of U.S. tariffs, set to take effect in 2024 and 2025, is hitting product categories that impact thousands of local retailers and artists:

• Toys and children’s goods
• Textiles and apparel
• Kitchenware, ceramics, and home décor
• Tools and industrial parts

Without action, more independent shops and makers will be priced out of their markets. The best protection? At Gild Insurance, we believe that it is a combination of smart financial planning, localized supply strategies, and business insurance designed to minimize disruption.

How Gild Insurance Helps Local Makers Stay in Business

Tariffs and supply chain disruptions aren’t just budget issues. They’re business continuity risks. If a shipment is delayed, damaged, or stolen, many small shops can’t afford the hit.

Gild Insurance helps North Carolina makers plan ahead with:

• General liability insurance for third-party injuries or property damage
• Business Owner’s Policies (BOPs) that bundle liability and property coverage
• Inland marine insurance to protect tools and inventory in transit

If something does go wrong, Gild’s Claims Concierge is ready to help fast-track your recovery—whether you’re repairing storm damage, handling a property loss, or navigating a customer claim.

Protect What You’ve Built Before It’s Too Late

Whether you’re a maker or a supporter of local businesses, your choices matter. Small shops shape our neighborhoods, create jobs, and preserve the creative spirit that makes North Carolina unique. But they can’t do it alone. Here is what you can do to help:

✅ Support your local shops this season

📘 Download the Survive Tariffs Runbook to start implementing smarter cost strategies and prepare for pricing instability before it impacts your bottom line

📞 Schedule a call with a Gild Insurance agent today or get your quote online in minutes. Don’t wait until another shipment is delayed or a claim derails your business. Protect it now.