[Added 3/15 at 5:37p: As of 9p on Sunday, March 15, all Ohio bars and restaurants will be closed indefinitely. You will still be able to get carryout, pick-up, and delivery, but for those service workers affected by these closings, Gov. Mike DeWine has signed an executive order regarding unemployment assistance. Click here for more information. For small businesses looking for disaster loans, visit sba.gov/coronavirus.]
“We’re often self-employed and have no back-up income to rely on if you cancel your regular services … it’s a definite hit when clients start canceling.”
Small businesses are hurting right now and will be for the foreseeable future. It is a stark reminder that we cannot just express concern during a pandemic; that we have to support local year round for when people like myself are avoiding crowds for periods of time. Many people opt for big box stores over small businesses, but I urge you all to instead shop small whenever you’re able.
Shopping local can be more expensive, but it is a small price to pay to help to build a better local economy, reduce environmental impact, put your taxes to good use, create jobs, get better customer service, keep the community unique, and you encourage local prosperity.
This evolving list only scratches the surface of possibilities. Below are several ideas how to continue supporting local during a pandemic.
SIGN UP FOR A FUTURE CLASS at The Cooking School at Jungle Jim’s, Core Clay, DIY Printing, Fern, Queen City Clay, or Tablespoon Cooking Co.
ORDER CARRYOUT. Even though many restaurants are taking extraordinary measures to ensure cleanliness in their establishments, most people are probably skipping eating in at restaurants, so why not continue to support them by ordering takeout instead? There are places even offering curbside pickup right now. (For a running list of places offering these services, Check out these posts from Hey Michelle on Facebook and Instagram.)
BUY GIFT CARDS. Buying a gift card means you are spending the money up front, and when the dust settles you’ll have money waiting to be spent at your favorite places! Some ideas where you can purchase online are Blue Manatee Books, Handzy Shop + Studio, Jungle Jim’s, King Arthur’s Court Toys, and Queen City Card.
SHOP ONLINE! Most local businesses have ecommerce capabilities. Some ideas include Cincy Shirts, Fern, Handzy Shop + Studio, HOMAGE, and Rivertown Inkery. Also be sure to skip Amazon and instead get your books from Joseph Beth, Cincinnati and NKY’s independent bookstore, or “Buy a Book, Give a Book” from Blue Manatee.
GET A HEAD START ON GIFT SHOPPING. If you can afford to, start shopping small now for future birthday, Christmas, and other holiday gifts. Check out the Local Gift Guide for ideas!
PLACE A PHONE ORDER. Not able to shop someplace online? Give them a call!
BUY FUTURE DATE NIGHTS. Get gift cards to a local restaurants, shops, drinkeries, or for a local spa day; tickets to a show or concert. In a little while, when the dust settles, you’ll be happy to have “free” events waiting to be experienced!
TIP YOUR LOCAL SERVICE WORKERS. If you’re able, drop off some envelopes of tip money for servers who rely on tips. This is a great way to continue helping, especially assuming you’re saving money by not going out to eat.
OPT FOR PET FOOD DELIVERY from Pet Wants or Argo’s Pet, and LOCAL DOG TREATS from Brewhaus Dog Bones (a not-for-profit company dedicated to providing vocational training for young adults with disabilities).
BECOME A MEMBER OF the American Sign Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Zoo, Harriet Beecher-Stowe House, or BUY A SEASON PASS TO Kings Island.
SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS. Just a few ideas are The Heart Department Co, James Billiter Studio, Rookwood Pottery, and Tiny Treasures Designs.
Have to cancel an appointment? PAY FOR YOUR SERVICE(S) ANYWAY! If you have the ability to, get your hair stylist’s (or other service worker’s) Venmo account and make sure they still have some sort of income during this time.
Having photos professionally taken soon? If you’re able, PAY YOUR DEPOSIT NOW for goods and services you will be receiving in the coming weeks! (Photography, wedding makeup, party planning—you name it.)
GET A SUBSCRIPTION TO Cincinnati Magazine.
LEAVE A REVIEW! It seems like a small way to help but writing reviews (Facebook, Google, and Yelp) and sharing your favorite places with others on social media is a small but big way to encourage others to visit your favorite spots.
…While you’re at it, “LIKE AND FOLLOW” your favorite small businesses on social media. Engagement is an easy way to promote, advocate, and support local.
You can also order from places that offer online pickup or delivery. For more ideas and to check out the many local places that support online ordering click here.
Updated 3/16/20.
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