How to Support Local Business During Social Distancing

Shop Local 

Stocking up on things before you hunker down? Consider shopping at a local business instead of a big box store. This includes shopping online if your favorite local business has a website. Local businesses are working hard to keep their stores stocked with food and necessities. Plus, while many big chains were out of stock, local hardware stores were the only ones left with hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes—just another reason to think about your local stores when stocking up!

Buy Gift Cards 

Lost foot traffic, canceled events, and customers working from home are dealing back-to-back hits to many small businesses. Consider buying a gift card for your favorite place to use when things are back to normal. Buying gift cards can help them with cash flow during this slowdown of traffic.

Order Takeout 

Not leaving the house doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite restaurants. Ordering to go is a great way to enjoy the things you love while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Food is a great way to show people you care and are thinking of them, and that doesn’t stop during a pandemic. Drop food off for the people you love, even if you can’t spend time with them.

Continue Memberships

Do you or your kids look forward to local yoga and martial arts classes? You’ve already budgeted for those classes, so if you can swing it, continue to pay for your regularly scheduled attendance. Consider it an investment in keeping those classes there for you when this all calms down.

Be Kind, Tip Extra 

In the paranoia and panic, we sometimes forget that the people working behind the counters are real people. The people who serve you are working to make sure you can get the things you want and need. Be patient with changing hours, be kind to the people who are helping you, and be generous with your tips—even on takeout orders.