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7 Ways To Support Local Businesses During COVID-19

Local businesses across the country have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19. Many states in the US have ordered small businesses – such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, fitness centers, gyms, hair stylists, tanning salons, booksellers, and more – to close their doors during the Coronavirus pandemic.

In times of crisis, a customer’s interaction with a company can trigger an immediate and lingering effect on his or her sense of trust and loyalty. Now is the time to help support your local businesses any way you can. Let your local shops know that you value them by giving them your loyalty now and when we get back to business as usual.

Here are 7 ways you can support your local businesses through the Coronavirus pandemic:

Order takeout or delivery

Your favorite restaurants may be closed to dining in options, but many of them are still open for takeout and delivery. You can help these businesses bring in some income during these slower times and allow them to continue to pay employees.

Buy a gift card

Want to help a small business bring in some extra cash right now? Buy gift cards from your favorite local stores. You can give your local shops and restaurants a “thumbs up” by spending $25 or more on a gift card. Mail the gift card to a friend or family member to redeem on carry out. Or, use it later when things get back to normal.

Buy online (locally if you can)

Small businesses that normally didn’t sell online are trying out online ordering for customers. Maybe some of your local shops and retailers already make ordering via their website available. You can help support them and buy something you might want or need.

Look for live streaming and on-demand exercise classes

With fitness centers and gyms closed due to Coronavirus, many of these exercise studios are offering live streaming and on-demand classes to their members. You can support your favorite gym – and also stay active and reduce stress.

Support local businesses on social media

Go on social media and leave positive comments and write reviews about your experiences with local merchants. Good reviews can help drive more customers to local vendors. Not to mention, sharing kind words and support can go a long way to bolstering the moods of stressed-out small business owners. 

Tip generously if you can

You may want to consider tipping even though you are getting food to go. Restaurants are still paying employees and those employees may have relied on tips for part of their income. The same goes for having food delivered to your house – your delivery person should receive a good tip.

Say thank you!

When you’re shopping in a grocery store, convenience store, or other retail shop, say thank you to the employees behind the counter and stocking the shelves. Many employees are working extra hours to keep the store clean and supplied with the items customers need. A heartfelt thank you goes a long way!

By doing our part to stay at home and practice social distancing, we can help keep others safe and flatten the curve to help save lives. 

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