Local businesses have had to surmount a lot of obstacles amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Fear and economic uncertainty have caused consumers to pull back, and social distancing has forced many businesses to shut down their physical locations and completely change the way they do business.
Throughout every recession and difficulty, we’ve faced as a nation, there have always been businesses that have bucked the odds and overcome, and there have already been many success stories coming out amid this one. Businesses that have survived during times like these are always the ones that have been nimble and creative.
Here are a few of the creative things local businesses have done to adapt to the new reality under coronavirus, not only to stay in business, but to give back to their communities.
How Local Businesses Are Adapting to Coronavirus Restrictions
Grocery Stores Keep Seniors Safe
We all want to stay safe and healthy throughout this pandemic, but for many people, the risk is much higher than it is for others. Although there are many things that can affect someone’s risk, age is certainly a factor that can’t be ignored. That’s why, for many older people, even grocery shopping can be scary at a time like this. Luckily, there are some grocery stores that have stepped up to help out.
In order to minimize the risks of being around others, some grocery stores have set aside specific hours just for seniors. Even though this means fewer customers for grocery stores during those hours, it’s a move that helps to keep seniors safe and demonstrates a real concern for their customers and communities.
A Coffee Shop That Delivers
In New York City, a coffee shop that had only been open for a few months had to close their doors. But, instead of accepting defeat, the owners completely changed the business model to start offering online ordering and delivery. They now deliver lattes to their customers’ doors, and they also offer latte kits that allow their customers to recreate their favorite at home.
A coffee shop’s primary source of business comes from people coming in and ordering. Without that ability, many have had to close their doors completely, but instead, this one adapted to online shopping and delivery in order to continue serving their customers.
A Book Store Takes Appointments
With so many people being stuck at home and only eight episodes of Tiger King to binge, a lot of people have a lot of free time on their hands these days. Books have become an essential form of entertainment for many people, but local bookstores across the country have had to close to the public. Some have managed to transition to online shopping, but one store has found a unique solution.
Delivery wasn’t an affordable option for a bookstore, but instead of closing down completely, they decided to make shopping safer for their customers. They allow customers to reserve appointments so they can have the store to themselves for an hour. After every appointment, the store is sanitized.
A Salon Keeps its Clients Looking Great
Barber shops and salons and other businesses that require close, personal interaction in order to operate have had a tougher time than most throughout this pandemic. However, knowing that people need a little pick-me-up right now and could benefit from the confidence that looking their best gives them, one salon has found a new way to stay in business while serving its clients.
Just because this salon was no longer able to serve its clients in person didn’t mean that it had to stop helping them look and feel their best from home. This salon started doing video consultations to teach their clients what they can do at home to keep up with their style. They also started putting together custom color kits with detailed instructions for their clients.
A Distillery Starts Making Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is in high demand right now, not only by consumers but by countless local businesses as well. Even though it meant a reduction in revenue, one distillery switched its focus to manufacturing hand sanitizer for its community. By offering free hand sanitizer to local businesses and people in its community, this distillery is garnering goodwill and loyalty that will be remembered.
A Bakery Prioritizes Transparency
Many people want to support local businesses in their communities but are uneasy about the idea of taking unnecessary risks. This has been especially concerning for local businesses in the food service industry. One bakery decided to combat its customers fears by making transparency its number one priority.
Lots of businesses have taken precautions to keep customers and employees safe, like taking extra steps to ensure sanitation, ensuring that sick employees stay home, and eliminating physical contact. This bakery has taken its efforts to be transparent one step further by live streamlining its kitchen so that customers can watch the magic happen.
Support the local businesses near you!
Lots of local businesses have bent over backward to serve their communities and give back, even though they are in the midst of coping with their own difficulties. The least we can do is support them!
If you’re looking to support the local businesses in your community while staying safe, one great way to do so is by finding the local businesses you love online and writing a review for them! Reviews can give businesses a morale boost and helps them to stand out online and be more visible. Plus, it’s free to write reviews, which means that you can still support the local businesses you love even if you can’t do so financially.
Check out my previous blog to learn about a few more ways you can support your favorite local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. And, find the businesses you love on Top Rated Local® today to leave your review!
