It’s easy, rewarding and fun to help local businesses thrive.
Now, more than ever, small and local businesses need our help. While larger companies are able to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic (now is not the time to financially support Jeff Bezos), smaller businesses are facing the consequences - hard.
Luckily, there are a number of ways to support and help local enterprises - and they’re easier an more fun than you may think.
1. Ditch the Internet Shopping
While undoubtedly convenient, steer clear of ASOS, Amazon and other giant ecommerce platforms (they’re doing just fine - Jeff Bezos is a billionaire but the part time staff at your local boutique clothes store are, presumably, not).
Instead, visit local boutique stores. While helping small businesses who otherwise may not stay afloat, you’ll also find unique outfits that half your city isn’t currently running around in.
2. Get Their Name Out
While shopping at local stores is a great way to show support during these trying times, go the extra mile by spreading their name through word of mouth.
Tag the local cafe in your social media posts and stories, tell your friends about that cute vintage boutique you visited last week, and write a review for the family run Thai place you swear has been around longer than time itself.
3. See Who’s Online
Many of us are still working from home, meaning that we still have a lot of free time to pick of a new skill or hobby.
Scour the internet for local, small business classes that have navigated their efforts online. Many language and yoga schools, for instance, offer their services over Zoom, while arts and craft classes are sending DIY packs with instructions directly to your door (and a do it yourself ceramic class from home, possibly with a few close friends and a wine? Game changer).
4. Dine at a Local Establishment
Ditch Domino’s Pizza and pay a visit to the local, family run pizzeria instead… chances are it’ll be a lot homier, much friendlier, and you’ll be helping the establishment stay afloat (huge corporate chains have enough money, but small businesses are getting hit hard).
If your local eateries don’t yet have the capacity for sit down dining - not to fear - you can still help out by taking away (and chowing down on delicious locally made food in the park goes down a treat).
5. Buy Produce From Local Food Stores and Markets
Now, more than ever, is the time to give corporate supermarket chains the flick.
Instead, broaden your foodie horizons by discovering where you can get your hands on locally sourced produce, be it at a farmer’s market, or a small, independent and family run food store. Although sometimes a little more pricy, these establishments need your help to stay afloat more than cheaper chains, and more often than not deliver superior quality and more diverse produce.
6. Buy All the Take Away Coffees
While many cafes are not yet open to the public again, and for that reason sinking down into plush, comfy cafe chairs with your friends, spending hours upon hours drinking far too many lattes than you should may not be quite possible yet - many are still open for takeaway.
To help support them, treat yourself to a takeaway coffee (in a reusable cup of course, if you have one) and muffin instead, and turn in into a social event by going for a walk around the block with a friend.
7. Buy Gift Cards
The sad reality is that right now, many small businesses must either close shop temporarily or offer reduced services.
To help these businesses, consider buying gift cards. You’ll still get to do the thing you want to do now later, and businesses will be able to record some revenue, helping to pay staff (thus alleviating lay offs) and aiding the business as a whole.
Scour your surroundings to see who offers gift cards (think restaurants who can’t hold indoor customers, event companies, language schools that have ceased all teaching), and spread the word to family and friends
And there you have it-
As well as increasing businesses’ chance of surviving the difficult and detrimental COVID-19 crisis, supporting small, often family owned enterprises is rewarding and enjoyable, often opening our eyes to hidden local gems and unique specialty items found nowhere else.
If you’re seeking a way in which to support local businesses while having a deliciously good time, AmazingCo’s Mystery Picnic leads you to multiple boutique and local food stores, at which you collect delicious food items for your scenic picnic (like a giant food scavenger hunt).
