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How to shop local even if you’re stuck inside and support small businesses in your community during the #Coronapocalypse.
TL:DR: Reschedule your appointments (don’t cancel), buy gift cards from area coffee shops/restaurants, grab a growler or 6-pack from a local brewer, keep the dog walker, shout-out your favorite places on social media, donate to arts non-profits, bodegas before big box.
1: Reschedule, Don’t Cancel
To continue support of service-based businesses, consider rescheduling your appointments versus canceling if you choose to stay home. You may consider paying ahead to help your service provider over this uncertain hump. Additionally, some services are now offering online options to minimize in-office visits.
2: Buy gift certificates
Some cities are starting to impose mandatory curfews. Show support for your favorite restaurants, coffee shops and bars that don’t offer delivery by purchasing a gift certificate to use later.
3: Keep routines
If you find yourself working from home and are considering 86’ing your dog walker, think about this: Your pup can grow stir-crazy right alongside you if their routine changes abruptly. You will have a more productive time in your home office while supporting local businesses by keeping your pup’s routine with their walker.
4: Support platforms that support entrepreneurs
Planning on getting take-out delivery? Use Grubhub.
Grubhub announced it would be supporting independent restaurants who use their platform for delivery orders by not charging a commission on their sales until question mark. That means more money in your local economy and eating good while we “socially distance”.
5: Get the growler
With many local breweries suspending tours, canceling St. Patrick’s Day events, closing early, or under curfew, show support by getting a 6-pack to go or taking home a growler.
6: Hello, handmade soap
If you have a soft spot for fancy hunks of handmade soap, now would be the time to embrace the urge to splurge. In addition to being a much-needed COVID-19 supply in your wellness arsenal, handmade artists need love during this economic panic. Pictured: Taproot Organics, Jersey City
7: Free promotion
Become an impromptu “influencer” and give some small business love on your social channels, especially Instagram and Facebook! Regram and share recent posts from area businesses, post a review on Google, and proliferate the #supportlocal message.
8: Bodegas before big box
You know who might still have that can of spray disinfectant or roll of toilet paper you feel compelled to stock up on? Your friendly neighborhood bodega or corner deli! Support local and skip the supermarket for Coronavirus supplies.
9: Shop online
Missing out on art events, concerts, and cultural happenings? Put your wallet where your heart is and support local artists and musicians by purchasing from their Etsy shops, Amazon Storefront, or website. You may also consider donating to arts non-profits in your area that were affected by having to cancel revenue-producing events.
10: Keep calm and shop local
While the urge to seriously dial back on spending during this uncertain time is strong, our local community needs our support to get through the Coronapocalypse. Use your wallet to show your support, or your social media reach to encourage others to shop local.