Small Businesses Need Our Support Now More Than Ever
So much has transpired in the last several weeks, from the tornado that tore through Nashville to the significant increase in precautions surrounding COVID-19. It’s been a heavy March, to say the least — and it’s only halfway over!
In addition to the individuals directly affected by the coronavirus, there are others experiencing a secondhand ripple of devastation in its wake. Small businesses, from restaurants to coffee shops, breweries to hair salons, and boutiques to other creative ventures, are all suffering as a result of the COVID-19 spread, as many people are social distancing, most are spending less money at restaurants and shops, and some are even subject to quarantine entirely. In the midst of all this craziness, it’s easy to forget that these small business owners are real people with bills to pay and families to feed. And right now, they really need our collective support.
You may be asking, “What does small business have to do with minimalism and sustainability?” A lot, actually. Minimalism and sustainability both align with the “quality over quantity” argument, which often translates to a higher quality item found at a local shop instead of a poorly made, mass-produced item at a big box store. You essentially “vote” with your dollars for the businesses that align with your values, make things with care and intention, and funnel profits directly to the business owner (as opposed to a large corporation). And small business is often (but not always!) synonymous with words like quality, small-batch, unique, ethical or handmade.
All in all, small businesses truly make the world go ‘round. And supporting all the incredible mom and pop stores, independent coffee shops and local restaurants in our communities can help these folks keep their doors open and lights on during the next few months — and for years to come. It’s time to get creative about how we can support our small businesses during this difficult, unprecedented time.
Here are just a handful of ways you can support the many incredible small businesses in our midst. Of course, support your local economy as much as possible. The people who work tirelessly to keep these businesses running down the street are our neighbors, friends, and valuable members of the community. But you can widen your support by purchasing items online from small businesses across the country. In times like these, our interconnected world gives us the ability to support a business from behind the safety of our screens.
Above all: Wash those hands, remain calm — and shop small.
Buy Gift Cards
We don’t know how long this COVID-19 pandemic will occur, but for now — help local restaurants, gift cards, and shops hit their current financial goals by buying a gift card to be redeemed at a later date. Many businesses offer online gift card options, while most allow you to pick one up in person. Consider getting a $50 gift card for your favorite restaurant and treating yourself to date night once everything dies down. Your future self (and future significant other!) will thank you for the discounted check when the time comes.
Shop Online
As mentioned, a benefit of our digital world is the ability to peruse aisles and aisles of clothing from the comfort of our couch. While I’m an avid thrifter myself, I do shop for specific items at a traditional store from time to time. If you are able to, ditch Amazon, Target and the mall for your favorite local boutique — in this day and age, it’s likely they have an online shop.
Stock Up on Essentials From Local Shops
The toilet paper and hand sanitizer shortage in the midst of this frenzy has felt apocalyptic and strange. While shopping for essentials, such as cleaning supplies, groceries, and other home goods, consider your local stores first. Many communities have a co-op or other local resource for everyday items. Think of those businesses before the big box options!
Get Meals Delivered or To Go
My dad owns a restaurant, so I am very passionate about this one. We all need to eat! And after cooking all the pasta and mac and cheese boxes we hoarded last week, eating at home may get old after a while (especially for those of us who can’t cook). Take a break from cooking, experience some new flavors, and support local restaurants by ordering food to go, either for pick-up or delivery. Many restaurants are adjusting their models to handle pick-up and delivery options as a response to COVID-19. And recently, food delivery platforms, including DoorDash, Postmates and GrubHub, announced a “no-contact delivery” option, where you get your order without greeting your delivery driver.
Share the Love on Social Media
If anything, you can easily share the love for your favorite small businesses on social media. It doesn’t cost a dime to share a post to our stories, leave a thoughtful review or comment, or do an actual post on our pages with a shoutout to our favorite small brands. It may seem small — but who knows? Your endorsement might just convince someone to make a purchase they otherwise might not have made.
#ShopSmall
What small business-loving tips do you have? Share them below! And if you’re a small business owner yourself, please know that we see you and we want you to succeed. Let me know if there are any specific ways we can support you during this difficult time.