Small businesses are really hurting during this time of isolation. Here are five simple and safe ways you can help support them so that they’ll still be there for you when the pandemic is over. (And remember—the best way you can help small business is by staying home, so that we can end this isolation period faster.)
Buy Gift Cards
As one restaurant owner told The Washington Post, “gift cards are like interest-free loans.” By buying gift cards now, you’re giving a restaurant or store an influx of cash without them needing to offer anything in return in this very moment.
And then when the establishment reopens, you’ll be able to redeem the gift card and help the restaurant by bringing in more business.
Write Positive Reviews
How many times have you picked a restaurant based solely on the number of positive reviews it has? Or dismissed one due to dismal reviews? Writing positive reviews on platforms such as TripAdvisor (our parent company) can help give your favorite local hotel, restaurant, bar, or shop an edge when they do reopen—or push them towards the top when people are searching for a delivery or takeout option.
Following and commenting on social platforms like Instagram or Twitter can help as well.
Shop Online
Does that cute local shop you like to visit have a website? Many stores are still fulfilling orders online, so you can safely shop at home and have items delivered. Restaurants may be offering more merchandise (think everything from T-shirts to cookbooks). Taking the money you’d normally spend in-person and redirecting it to online sales can be a huge help to a small business.
If you’d usually order a book from Amazon, think about ordering it from a small local bookstore instead—sites like IndieBound.org can help you find a store near you that accepts online orders.
Order Takeout/Delivery
Many restaurants that previously only offered dine-in are now pivoting to offer takeout and delivery. If possible, call/order online directly from the restaurant (rather than via a third-party delivery app) in order to spare the restaurant the fees those services usually charge.
Don’t forget to tip generously (for pick-up or delivery) to support the workers who are putting themselves at risk in order to serve you food during this time.
Donate
Some restaurants and stores have started GoFundMe campaigns to help support their furloughed employees or to help keep the lights on. Consider donating whatever amount you can—even if you don’t want to donate to a specific store, there are plenty of funds to help hourly workers, frontline responders, and more.
Working from home? Make it comfy:
Working From Home? Make it Comfy
Tyler's Fashion Picks for April 2020
When it comes to fashion, I’m not dressing to impress anyone. I’ve been in my living room since March. Maybe I’ll put on a button-down every once in a while for a Zoom happy hour, but aside from that, it’s comfy tees and breathable boxer briefs almost 24/7. A staple of my look is a large plush couch throw wrapped around me from head to toe, with a cool mug escaping the front of the blanket as if I’m begging for more hot coffee (which I am). Lastly, socks are a must in my apartment because no matter how much I vacuum, there always seem to be crumbs on the floor.
More from SmarterTravel:
- The 7 Best Free Online Streaming Workouts
- 5 Ways to Make Your Bedroom Feel like a Hotel Room
- 5 UV-Light Sanitizing Products That Are Less Likely to Be Sold Out
Caroline Morse Teel is a Principal Editor for SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @travelwithcaroline for travel photos and advice.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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