Why Buying American-Made Matters—Now More Than Ever

Why Buying American-Made Matters—Now More Than Ever

When you pick up a product marked “Made in the USA,” it’s more than just a label—it’s a statement of purpose. At Small Batch Gallery + Goods, nearly everything on our shelves is American-made, and that’s no accident. It’s a value we’ve held from the beginning. We believe in supporting small businesses, championing quality, and investing in the people and communities that make up this country. Every item we choose to carry is thoughtfully curated with these principles in mind. Yes, we’ve been known to order from Amazon from time to time (our UPS guy can confirm!), but when it comes to building a business with intention and impact, we proudly source from makers here at home.

There are plenty of practical reasons to choose American-made: it helps create and sustain jobs, reduces our carbon footprint, supports ethical labor practices, and ensures a higher standard of quality. According to the Economic Policy Institute, each U.S. manufacturing job supports 1.4 additional jobs in other sectors—that’s a ripple effect that matters. On the environmental side, products made closer to home avoid the emissions and waste that come with overseas shipping and less-regulated manufacturing. And when it comes to labor, American standards offer protections that safeguard workers' health and dignity—something we should never take for granted.

But beyond all of that, there’s a deeper reason we care about sourcing American-made: community. The artists, makers, and small business owners we partner with are more than vendors—they’re people with families and stories just like ours. We swap emails about school drop-off lines, soccer schedules, and shipping delays. We know how hard they work, how much they care, and how much every single sale means. So when you shop with us, you’re not just buying a candle or a ceramic dish—you’re helping support a dream, a livelihood, and a way of life. And we think that’s pretty powerful.