Here’s how to support the local economy while social distancing
There are lots of creative ways to back businesses
Whether closed entirely or operating in a partial capacity, all kinds of local businesses are suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus. But there are still ways to support them from home, or by going out but practicing social distancing.
“Part of the problem we have right now is we’re all in bed with Amazon, and that’s not doing much to help the local businesses,” said Tony Sheridan, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. He encourages people to see if local companies will deliver what they’re looking for.
Trying to remain optimistic, he said, “This is America. We’re going to come out of this stronger than ever. The question is when.”
Until then, here are some ways to keep the local economy going:
Order online from a local shop
Plenty of local retail stores, whether they’re still open or have closed, have websites that allow you to order online.
“Why not make every night FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT !!!! ” the popcorn store Pop on the Block posted on Facebook on Monday. “Place your order online. Over 40 flavors !!!!!!! ”
Other Olde Mistick Village shops with websites set up for online ordering include Angel Haven, Becca Rose,
Bestemors, Naturali, R.A. Georgetti & Co, Sofia’s Mystical Christmas, Sticky Situations and Tiger Lily Tea.
Bank Square Books and Savoy Bookshop are closed but are offering free media mail shipping, curbside pickup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and local deliveries once a day after 2 p.m. The Bowerbird in Old Lyme also is closed but will ship orders or provide curbside pickup.
For baby and children’s clothing, there’s Bluebird Day and Nurture Nest. Some other local stores that allow for online ordering include Coastal Crab, Lee’s Toy and Hobby and Mystic Knotwork.
Buy a gift card
Between restaurants, bars, movie theaters and bowling alleys, plenty of places are closed but could use some money so at some point they can reopen. Besides, having that gift card can give you something to look forward to.
The GO Local Gift Card through the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce can be used at dozens of attractions, restaurants and stores, and chamber President Peggy Roberts said it’s like getting a prepaid Visa. That’s a good option for places that remain open, but since the vendors get the money after the purchase, it’s better to get a gift certificate directly if you specifically want to support a business that’s closed.
Get a membership
Some local places that are closed but offer memberships include Lyman Allyn Art Museum, Hygienic Art, Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium, Florence Griswold Museum and Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center.
Do a virtual fitness class
UP Fitness has scheduled online classes for high-intensity interval training and yoga, with an instructor in the Mystic studio and participants video conferencing in remotely via Zoom. The classes are included in existing memberships, and nonmembers can sign up for $10 per class.
Hot on Bank is live streaming yoga classes on Facebook and Instagram, and those who want to make a donation can do so in the app or Venmo, owner Meghan Smith said in a Facebook post.
Members of the women-centric Groton gym Crowned Fit have access to athome workouts and seminars, and nonmembers can message the gym if they’re interested in becoming a two-week remote member.
Buy a local musician’s album
Local artists and bands have found their upcoming concerts canceled, but if they have an album out, you can support them by paying for a download.
New London artist Daphne Lee Martin has a GoFundMe for her forthcoming album, “The Starter Wife.” Local musicians who allow for digital downloads of their albums include Sue Menhart, The Hempsteadys, The CarLeans, Marvelous Liars, Jim Carpenter & The Hoolios, The Brazen Youth and Straight to VHS.
Reach out to your legislators
People “are going to want to call their legislators and try to push them to help the small business people survive,” said Chris Regan, property manager for Olde Mistick Village.
He thinks the quickest way to get money back into the economy is for the government to come up with a formula to give out grants to small businesses, whereas a payroll tax cut wouldn’t help the people who aren’t working.
Get curbside pickup from a local brewery
Epicure Brewing Company in Norwich will be providing curbside pickup for growlers and cans from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4-7 p.m. Friday, and 3-7 p.m. Saturday.
Beer’d Brewing Company was offering pickup at its Stonington location from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday and is scheduled to do so again Wednesday, though the company said on Facebook that “with the current situation being so unpredictable, we aren’t sure how long we will be able to offer Beer’d beer pick up.”
Beer’d is asking customers to select their beer and pay ahead of time online, while Tox Brewing Company in New London is taking payment upon pickup but will not accept cash. Outer Light Brewing Company is offering curbside pickup and encourages people to call ahead.
Cottrell Brewing in Pawcatuck announced on Facebook that it would be selling beer to go until 5 p.m. weekdays.
Order takeout or delivery
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, and Discover East Lyme all have lists on their websites of local restaurants offering takeout, curbside assistance, and/or delivery.
The Day also will have more information in the future about takeout options and how restaurants are adapting.