"It is important to do what we can to support small local businesses so that not only big companies profit during this time." -- Jif dillemuth, 7th grade
Due to social distancing and the shelter in place order, small businesses are in danger of going bankrupt and shutting down. It is important to do what we can to support small local businesses so that not only big companies profit during this time, and so our money stays in our community.
“Many independent bookstores will be dependent on government relief, fundraising, and support from their communities to survive,” said Allison K Hill, Chief Executive Officer of The Booksellers' Association in an article in Bloomberg.com called, “Independent Bookstores Offer Curbside Pickup to Beat Coronavirus”
To support your favorite local businesses, the first step you should take is to research if they are still open, what their altered hours are, and if they do curbside pickup. Curbside pickup can be really helpful right now, all you have to do is call in or order online and pick your order up, not that much contact involved.
Some small businesses have made creative systems to stay open and stay safe. Here are some of my favorites.
If the business is closed, you can still support it in many different ways. You can donate through GoFundMe if they have an account. Buying gift cards to use when they are open again. Tell your friends and family to help support them or just ask the business how to support them.
“Many independent bookstores will be dependent on government relief, fundraising, and support from their communities to survive,” said Allison K Hill, Chief Executive Officer of The Booksellers' Association in an article in Bloomberg.com called, “Independent Bookstores Offer Curbside Pickup to Beat Coronavirus”
To support your favorite local businesses, the first step you should take is to research if they are still open, what their altered hours are, and if they do curbside pickup. Curbside pickup can be really helpful right now, all you have to do is call in or order online and pick your order up, not that much contact involved.
Some small businesses have made creative systems to stay open and stay safe. Here are some of my favorites.
- At Dr. Comics & Mr. Games you order by calling them. When you arrive, you knock on the door and say your name. You are asked to back up and when you are six feet away they put your order on a chair.
- Food Mill has tape placed outside of the store where you are supposed to stand to wait your turn to go in. They only let five people in at a time and provide you with mandatory gloves.
- Toy Safari has numbered items in the window so you can window shop and on weekends kids who are walking by can take a gift.
- Sobo Ramen only does take-out. They give tissues to open the door with a wastebasket right beside.
- Han Martial Arts holds Zoom meetings and does challenges for students like doing squats without letting a cup on your head fall to post on Facebook. “We want to thank everyone who has donated to our business during this difficult time,” said Master Jiwan Han. “But as a small business, who has been serving the community for years, we are encouraging everyone to continue to keep their payments active even if you choose to put our membership on hold. We make this request because as a small business, with substantial overhead and payroll, your support will guarantee that we will be here when this challenge passes.”
If the business is closed, you can still support it in many different ways. You can donate through GoFundMe if they have an account. Buying gift cards to use when they are open again. Tell your friends and family to help support them or just ask the business how to support them.
