With the second wave of COVID-19 upon us, it’s never been more important to support small businesses.
“By supporting these local shops you may actually be helping them stay afloat after a very tough year. Every little bit really counts.” says Jayne Woolcott, sales representative with Woolcott Real Estate.
The holiday season is normally a super important part of the year for businesses everywhere, with many generating 40 to 60 per cent of their annual income during the last quarter of the year. During this season, many are usually out Christmas shopping, enjoying dinner out on the town, purchasing the perfect outfit for an upcoming holiday party and other festive activities but this year will be much different.
Here are five ways you can help small businesses stay afloat and continue to support them through this holiday season.
1. Purchase a product for yourself
Need a little pick me up from the winter (and Covid) blues? Start online! Shopping at local shops not only helps them but you too! If the store doesn’t have an online shop, send them a message on social media or phone their store to inquire about contactless pick-up. If you don’t have a need for a product or service right now, purchase a gift card to use later! This helps the business now and you can use the service or purchase a product when is best for you. The bottom line, shop locally first!
2. Purchase for a friend or family gift
Are you part of a family or friend gift exchange? Purchasing a gift from a local shop is the perfect solution. Not only will your gift be unique, but it will also share a local store with another person. If the person loves your gift, perhaps they will make a purchase from this shop in the future too. If you are only in search of holiday cards for relatives or colleagues, local shops are a great place to look for unique cards.
3. Order takeout
Craving a meal out? Find your favourite local hotspot and order a takeout meal for you or your family. If you are only interested in a cocktail or bottle of wine for an evening in, you can purchase these too! Many restaurants and bars are doing contactless pick up or local delivery for meals, wine and cocktail kits. This can also be an amazing act of kindness for anyone going through a difficult time. If you know of someone who had a tough week, ask them for their favourite meal or restaurant and drop off to their doorstep. Ordering takeout is a great way to support a local restaurant and show support to a relative, friend or neighbour.
4. Leave a review
Not in a position to purchase anything right now? That’s okay and totally understandable! Reviews mean so much to small businesses. Find their Facebook page or Google page and leave a kind review. It’s truly the thought that counts.
5. Engage on social media
Social media is a great way to spread the love about a local business. Follow small businesses on social media and comment on their posts with encouraging words. You can also share the business with your friends and followers to help spread the word about a local favourite. Also, if you see posts on social media asking for recommendations to shops this year, tag the small businesses you know and love.
You may not be in the position to make purchases this holiday season but that doesn’t mean you can’t help the many small and local businesses in our town today.
