How to support local businesses now shops are open again!
Now local shops are allowed to reopen their doors, how can we show our support for those worst hit over the last 3 months?
It’s been a tough time for everyone lately, but especially for British businesses who haven’t been able to turn a profit during this crisis. When lockdown began three months ago, we never imagined it would be this long before we were able to visit our beloved local greengrocers, or the local hairdresser.
Now shops are reopening again, as long as safety guidelines are in place to ensure that all important two metre distancing. Now is the time to stand together and help local businesses get back on their feet after a drastic hit. But sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to do that. We can visit, but what if you’re vulnerable? What if you’re low on cash yourself right now?
We’ve compiled a list of ways you can help – from actually getting up and out there to spend money, to small tasks you can do in front of your computer at home.
Here’s how you can show your support:
1. Visit them and shop there (obviously only if you are not shielding and feel safe)
2. Make an appointment or book in for a time in the future when the R rate is even lower
3. Recommend places you know to others
4. Shop SMALL and LOCAL – big brand chain stores will get help from the government, that local greengrocers on the corner might not.
5. Buy vouchers – often easy to do online or over the phone. Many shops have begun to offer vouchers since the lockdown began.
6. Like, share, comment, invite your friends to their social media pages. It could make all the difference to their sales and to you it costs nothing!
7. Leave reviews – on Google, Facebook, Websites, etc. If you have visited them or used their service in the past, a good review will mean the world to them right now.
8. Volunteer – can you maybe help them get their procedures in place? Offer PPE? Give them a helping hand in reopening cleaning? Why not get in touch and ask?
Note: you may need to check new opening times for local small businesses as they may have changed them during the pandemic.
Are you a local business that’s struggling?
As an independent local business ourselves, we know how hard it can be. We would like to offer our help to promote you in any way you can. If you have an opening offer or promotion, or perhaps you just need to get the word out there, we would be happy to promote your business across all our platforms for you – just get in touch!
We also offer guest spots on our blog to help people learn more about the local area, and we can discuss a partnership going forward. We want to support and be a part of our community as much as possible, and part of that is knowing and supporting each other.
Please drop us a message on Facebook to get in touch, or contact us via phone or email.