Local KEEPING IT
There have always been plenty of reasons to shop local, but since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic many of your favourite local establishments have been doing everything they can to stay in business.
The current lockdown means that once again, restaurants are solely counting on takeout and delivery orders, while local shops that don’t sell food or essential items are either closed or reduced to curbside pickup and delivery.
Small businesses are struggling and need your support. Before you order from Amazon, consider the many far-reaching benefits of spending your hard-earned dollars at independently owned establishments within your community that are trying desperately to survive.
3 IMPORTANT REASONS TO SHOP AND SUPPORT LOCAL 1. HELPS TO SUSTAIN THE LOCAL ECONOMY
Shopping and supporting independently owned businesses strengthens communities and neighbourhoods. When you purchase local, significantly more money stays in the area. Local businesses patronize other local businesses and services, such as farmers, artists, and designers. It’s a chain reaction. Purchasing from local businesses helps them grow and create more job opportunities to employ more members of the community. Local businesses are owned and operated by your friends and neighbours. Like you, they care about the welfare and future of the community you live in. They do fundraisers and donate to local charities and non-profit organizations. Shopping local keeps your dollars in the community and benefits local development.
2. GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
When businesses buy local it minimizes transportation, which translates to less pollution, congestion, and loss of wildlife habitats. Small local businesses that produce goods often source in the area and produce small-batch quantities. Typically, these products are more eco-friendly and ethically-sourced with more transparency in the ingredients and materials. Locally grown food can be picked at peak ripeness so it’s fresh, nutrient rich, and tastes better. Small farms and producers are more eco-friendly and aware of the importance of taking care of the earth.
3. BETTER EXPERIENCE & SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
Neighbourhood shops and services each lend their own distinctive flair and flavour to the community, increasing the appeal of shopping districts and showcasing the personality of a town.
A shopkeeper who hand selects their own inventory or a restauranteur who creates their own menu have a comprehensive understanding of what they’re offering, which can be invaluable in helping you find exactly what you’re looking for. Every customer matters to small businesses. There are no multi-layers of corporate bureaucracy. Small business owners make their own decisions and will provide more attentive and empathetic service compared to larger businesses where standard operating procedures and scripted responses are customary.
Although we remain isolated in lockdown, there are plenty of ways you can shop and support local businesses who need you more than ever to continue to survive and strengthen our communities.
Here are 4 ways to support independentlyowned business during and after lockdown.
1. BUY GIFT CARDS
Even if you don’t need or are unable to get access to a particular product or service right now, consider buying a gift card to support your favourite shops, restaurants, and small businesses. Paying in advance is a great way to show your loyalty and help them through these uncertain times. Of course, gift cards also make great gifts for friends or family with upcoming birthdays or anniversaries.
2. TAKE A WALK AND WINDOW SHOP
Despite not being able to go into most stores, you can still check out their shop window displays. Take a walk in your neighbourhood and see if there are any local businesses you’ve never noticed before. Used bookstores, delis, bakeries, cafes, and specialty shops are just some of the small businesses you might stumble across.
3. TRY PICKUP AND DELIVERY SERVICES
Just because restaurants are closed for indoor dining doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favourite Tandoori Chicken or Cajun Shrimp. Most restaurants have adapted to offering pickup or delivery services. Now is also a great time to try out the menu at a new local restaurant for lunch or dinner. The hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard throughout the pandemic. Since Friday and Saturday dinners are the busiest times, consider ordering during the week when it’s less busy and restaurants are really struggling.
4. SPREAD THE GOOD WORD
Taking the time to post a glowing review for a favourite local business is an easy way to show your support. Good ratings and reviews show potential customers that this is a trusted business and statistics show that most shoppers take reviews into consideration when deciding what products and services to buy. Sharing or liking a company’s social media is another easy way to raise a business’ profile and potentially steer customers in their direction.
The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has affected all of us in different ways, but small business owners have been among the most negatively impacted. Now it is more important than ever to make the choice to shop and support local.