Online shopping boosts Raleigh businesses

A new “homegrown” website has been created for people who want to buy local products online.  Shop LiPi gives back to the community, its founder say.

Beleza is a fair trade boutique in Cameron Village. Owner Philip Dail says there are stories about many items in this shop, such as scarves from Madagascar.

“The women in her village literally picked the cocoons from the trees and every step of this is done by hand,” says Dail.

Dail says his shop is more about people than profits, but he needs to sell these items so artists around the world can make a living. He and his wife tried selling online before, but it didn’t work.

“Our store and others like us are so unique, until we get lost in that big online marketing strategy,” says Dail.

LiPi, which stands for “Love it, Promote it,” is a website that gives shoppers an easy way to buy from local stores.

Co-founder Jayson Humphrey says more people want to keep their money in the community.

“Millions and millions of people are raising up to turn away the big-box in a way and really support the small businesses,” says Humphrey.

Dail says it has been just a few months, but LiPi is already working. He says it’s spotlighting his collection of products – and that’s good for the artists who count on sales.

“They need access to markets. That’s what we’re hoping to provide here, and we believe shop LiPi can really increase,” said Humphrey.