You’re quarantined. We’re all quarantined. What’s the tempting thing to do? Head over to Amazon for an online shopping spree. Don’t do it!
If any company is going to survive the economic decline caused by the quarantine, it’s Amazon. Meanwhile, local businesses are struggling. Amazon may be convenient, but the company doesn’t contribute to the flavor and relationships in your local community. Here are some ways you can support local businesses during the coronavirus quarantine.
1. Get your coronavirus reading material locally
Bookstores have already taken a huge hit from Amazon – don’t let more of them die. Most bookstores will ship books to you, and some, like Capitol Hill Books D.C., are allowing you to reserve a time slot for browsing alone, while others, like Brickbat Books in Philadelphia, are allowing for curbside pickup. Capitol Hill Books is also allowing patrons to email them with their favorite genres/authors and then sending them their picks. Plus, you can always purchase gift cards!
2. Order food to-go
Can you imagine how tragic it would be if that amazing ice cream place around the corner that makes their flavors fresh every day went out of business because of the coronavirus? Or if you couldn’t get your favorite flavored latte from your neighborhood coffee joint? Just because you can’t hang out there, doesn’t mean you can’t support them! Companies like Doordash and UberEats are even offering free delivery from some local food hotspots. If you’re afraid of possible contamination from the people preparing the food, consider purchasing a gift card to use later.
3. Harness the power of videochat
Music, art, ballet, martial arts – all of your kids’ activities have been cancelled. But they still need something to keep busy – and their teachers need to put dinner on the table. See if your kid can have their piano or their taekwondo lesson over video. A quarantine shouldn’t keep them from learning and growing! And even better- you could also use this downtime to learn a new skill as well!
For small business owners
If you’re a small business owner yourself, you’re probably already implementing changes like this to adapt to these challenging times. Looking for more resources as you formulate your coronavirus strategy? Head to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website.