The COVID-19 lockdowns have taken a toll on our local communities. It has also resulted in many local businesses’ difficult times, incredibly vital, and unique to our communities. Some companies have been forced to close temporarily, and many others have had to scale back or change their operations completely. This Holiday season, it is imperative to support these small businesses. While it’s easy to feel powerless in a time like this, we can still do a few things to support our local businesses.
- Shop Remotely, Shop Online– Many businesses can purchase their goods or services through their website, Facebook, via a phone call, or through email. Online purchases are a great way to support local without leaving the comforts and safety of the home!
- Order Takeout or Delivery – Most restaurants have found a way to continue serving during this difficult time. Many have a curbside pickup or even delivery options that they couldn’t offer before. Now’s the perfect time to order from your favorite restaurant or to try somewhere new! As long as you don’t have to cook, it will be delicious!
- Purchase Gift Cards –For those businesses who are unable to remain open, purchase a gift card now to use later. By purchasing now, you will help bridge the cash-flow gap for those businesses. Buy a date night for a later date, or lunch with friends!
- Order Ahead –Make your transactions easier and less stressful by placing your order before arriving. Being proactive with ordering will shorten your exposure time and lessen the risk for everyone involved.
- Buy Local –Many of the items you might typically buy in the big city or at the big box stores are available at your local shops as well. Buy local and support small business owners, the people who live in your neighborhood and know your name. They appreciate it.
- Stay Home –If you are feeling at all ill. A cough, sore throat, fever, or runny nose are all signs that you should stay home. You’ll be helping out businesses by ensuring their employees stay healthy.
- Avoid Paying with Cash –This is another simple way to limit the risk of exposure to employees. Credit, Debit, and especially contactless cards and options like Apple Pay or Google Pay are great ways to eliminate touching keypads or handling cash. Plus, these transactions are usually faster, getting you in and out of the shop quickly!
- Write Good Reviews –The Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce has initiated a #WooHooWednesday! Try to write three positive reviews of your favorite local businesses each Wednesday. Facebook, Google, and Yelp are all great sources to write reviews.
- Utilize Social Media –Engaging in your favorite business. Social media accounts help them to have more exposure. So remember to follow, Like, Share, Comment, and spread your local businesses’ news to all of your friends and followers! Did you get an incredible lunch delivered right to your door or fantastic customer service from your local grocer? Please give them a shout-out!
- Be Understanding –We are in unprecedented times, and some businesses have either been forced to temporarily close or have made the difficult decision to do so for safety reasons. Be understanding. Know that each business is different and they are doing what’s best for them, and try to support them in any way possible. Reach out to the business owners or employees to ask how they are doing or let them know you support their decisions. It means a lot!
By doing just one of the items on this list, you actively help your community and keep your favorite local business open. Your engagement can go a long way in helping businesses improve cash flow, keep employees on the payroll, or to feel connected and boost morale. Benchmark Commerical Real Estate has put together a list of some of our favorite local businesses in Denver, Colorado. If you are interested in who made our list, please read here.
