By Robin Carlen
Recently, when I was driving down a local city street looking for a place to grab a quick lunch, I saw that a restaurant I used to frequent had a big sign in front that said: Closed Due To Covid-19. A gift shop I used to enjoy visiting had dark windows and the blinds were closed. And the restaurants that were still open had outdoor dining only, with large white tents hosting just a few patrons.
The continued impact of Covid-19 on small, local businesses, who employ people, pay taxes, and contribute to our economy, bothers me a lot, and that is why I’m writing this post. I also want to provide hope to those of you who may be looking for another job or are considering starting a new business, so keep reading.
As we start a new year, I believe most of us are hoping and praying that it’s a better one than 2020 was. However, as you know, it’s still unclear when things will really start to improve. Many essential services and online businesses are booming, which is very good news. However, for many smaller brick and mortar establishments, especially those seen as “non-essential”, it has been anything but easy.
I ask myself, “What can I do, even in small ways, to help improve the outlook for local businesses and the people they employ?”
Here are just a few things to consider:
The next time you need to purchase something, buy it at a local business. Amazon can deliver in the blink of an eye, and it is very convenient to order online, but if you can, try and support local brick and mortar businesses by also buying from them.
Frequent smaller businesses instead of only doing your shopping at the bigger ones. While I want the large retailers and grocery stores to continue to prosper, I hope these won’t be the only local businesses left standing once the pandemic is finally over. Where I live there is a small, family-owned grocery store that has been there for years and a hardware store with a similar history. As often as possible, I am going to support them.
Support local franchises. It’s easy to forget that they are independently owned by people who pay local taxes and give back to the community they are in. An example of this is a Togo’s I stopped by a few weeks ago. They were hosting a free concert outside in the parking lot to try and attract more people. Unfortunately, they are in a part of town that doesn’t get as much traffic and that, along with the pandemic, has made it even tougher for them. I was told they will be continuing to host these concerts to try and bring in more business but can only do it for so long.
Buy from local artists, solopreneurs, and other (non-essential) small business owners too. The “essential” businesses definitely have an advantage, and of course, it’s important to support them, but what about those who have been called “non-essential”? I remember, not that long ago, attending Open Art Studios in a nearby city. While virtual is nice and very convenient, there is nothing like seeing someone’s talent, craft, skill or products for sale in real life.
If a local business is hosting an event, class, or soiree, try to attend or provide support in some way. I know many people are being forced to stay at home right now, but that won’t always be the case.
If we all do our part to support local, even in a small way, maybe we can make a difference. It’s certainly worth trying, don’t you think? If you have other suggestions, please share them below.
If you have been impacted by a layoff or your own business has closed, read this article in the Financial Times entitled, “Prospering in the Pandemic: The Top 100 Companies”. It may very well provide you with some companies to target, or industries to consider, as you are looking for another job or thinking about your options when it comes to starting another venture.
Keep an eye on my website if you are interested in upcoming webinars that I will be hosting on a number of topics. To be added to the mailing list for newsletters or for notifications about events, visit this page: https://www.robincarlen.com/contact