Most of March, and most likely the next few weeks or even months, will be devastating for countless independently-owned businesses and retailers. I'm devastated for the countless family-owned businesses, mom and pop operations and entrepreneur dreams which now hang in the balance, the ones I've been reading about and following - so many stories which are both inspirational and at the same time, heartbreaking. I was a retail store owner for two decades and still recall the emptiness of our community in the days before hurricanes which brought business to a halt; the silence that echoed through this town following 9/11; the startling quiet of the fallout around 2008. Sobering times indeed, and while I am no longer in retail, I work closely with many independent businesses and nonprofits alike, and I see my journey and struggles in so many of them. Now, more than ever, our commitment to the people and places we love is not only needed, it's essential. Here are some thoughts and images which I hope you'll download, share and repost.
Think of your neighbors and friends who are navigating some difficult times right now.
Spread the word about quality places, even if you aren't able to go out and support.
Let's face it; some of us don't have a big staff and when you're mostly on your own it's easy to feel alone. Call up someone you know who may be starting to worry about an extended shutdown or loss of business and let them know you are there for them.
This global event will have a lasting and substantial impact on places which rely on events and travel.
Be generous with reaching out to those affected by the current situation. Dine out often and tip generously for deliveries.
LINKS
We All Need Small Businesses. Don’t Let Them Die (3/19) "The economy relies on thousands of local operations that need urgent help even more than big companies do. By the time the coronavirus crisis is over, we might emerge from our homes only to find some of our favorite shops, gyms and restaurants permanently shuttered." NY Times
How our local businesses on the eastern shore of Maryland are managing
See my previous post Support For Our Small Business Owners (3/13)
Coronavirus will bankrupt more people than it kills — and that's the real global emergency (3/11) "We may look back on coronavirus as the moment when the threads that hold the global economy together came unstuck".
It’s Going to be More Important than Ever to Support Local Businesses (3/12) "As soon as the outbreak runs its course – we encourage you to consider keeping your dollars local whenever possible, in order to help these small businesses bounce back. Because for small businesses – every dollar counts and ultimately benefits the community we live in." Madison Mom
Here’s How To Support Local Businesses During The Coronavirus Pandemic (3/19) Local restaurants, coffee shops, hair salons, cleaning services, independent booksellers and other spots are suffering from a lack of customers
"As America hunkers down, small businesses around the country are struggling to make ends meet ― although customers have disappeared, bills and wages have not. Just how long they will have to scale back operations due to the coronavirus outbreak — whether it’s weeks or months — is unclear. Until then, here are a few things you can do." Huff Post
Let's continue to remind friends and neighbors about the importance or supporting our independents so it can become not just a fad, but a way of thinking which will help rebuild our local economies once this is over. Hang in there friends!
community advocate | marketing consultant | dedicated to small business | fan of
classic cars and hot rods | beach lover | believer that "together we accomplish more"
