10 Ways to Support Local Businesses During a Pandemic
Support Local Businesses During a Pandemic.
Small businesses have had to endure a lot since the beginning of the pandemic known as Covid-19. Retail stores, restaurants, hair and nail salons, and recreational venues were closed and now that they are allowed to open, have to limit the number of patrons to conform to social distancing rules. Some businesses can’t hire staff because some people are afraid they will get sick if they go back to work.
When we support local business, we are supporting the local economy. Now is the time to help small businesses who need our patronage now more than ever. Here are some ways to do just that.
Support Local Businesses by Shopping Local
Look first to your local retailers – hardware stores, pharmacies, groceries, shoe stores, clothing boutiques, liquor stores. Don a mask and visit the stores for what you need. Check to see if they offer online selling with pickup or delivery service.
You can find local businesses to support by visiting your local Chambers of Commerce.
Some local chambers in our Area include:
North Central MA Chamber of Commerce
Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce
Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce
Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce
Support Local Businesses by Shopping locally online
Whether it is a retail store, supermarket, or restaurant, you can order online and then arrange for pick up or delivery.
To shop small local eEommerce stores visit over 2592 all over America on PRIVY.com
Support Local Businesses by Purchasing Gift Cards
Buy now and plan to use your gift cards later or for an online purchase. Your purchase helps keep cash flowing and doors open.
Buy Local Gift Cards from the North Central MA Region Today!
Support Local Businesses by Being a Generous Tipper
Wait staff depend on tips as their hourly rate is lower than you think. When there are fewer customers, the daily or weekly take-home takes a hit. Be generous and apply a larger than normal percentage to your tab for a tip.
Become a Discount Shopper Locally
If you haven’t yet discovered the joy of getting a bargain, be on the lookout for small businesses that are offering steep discounts to boost revenue. Purchase larger than normal quantities of sale items and you’ll be helping to keep a small business in business.
Order Local Restaurant Fare for Take Out
Preparing three meals a day at home can be a daunting task. Take a break and order take out for curb service or home delivery. Many restaurants are offering a limited menu at discounted pricing. You can order direct or through a food delivery service like UberEats.com or DoorDash.com. If the weather is nice and your favorite restaurant has outside table service, consider going out to eat.
Support Local Businesses and your Experiences on Social Media
Give your favorite stores and restaurants a “high five” by posting a review on social media. Whether you like standard review sites like yelp.com or reviews on the business Facebook page or if you enjoy snapping a photo of your food or purchase, the business will appreciate and benefit from the free exposure.
Keep Up Your Local Memberships if You Can
Even if you can’t attend the gym or class that was cancelled or live performance that didn’t happen, consider donating the cost to the business. If you had season tickets and half the season was cancelled, donate the unused portion rather than request a refund. These small donations will go a long way to ensuring a business or not-for-profit will be there next season when things are hopefully back to normal.
Many local businesses play it very “close to the vest” and will not be able to withstand several months with no or little revenue. Selecting one or more of the tips above, will not only be appreciated and remembered, it might be the difference between an OPEN or CLOSED sign in the months to come.
