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As my anxiety goes on a rollercoaster ride with what is unfolding in the world, I love seeing how my community is growing stronger through this. I am sure many people are seeing their cities or neighbors pulling together through social media or word of mouth. There are a lot of resources out there already on how best to help those who own their business or who are experiencing an influx of canceled orders.
I wanted to share what many already have, and some steps to help those in our community out.
If you need cancel orders, take store credit.
My friend owns an amazing bakery in NH, and she said it is so helpful if you had a cake or big order that needed to be canceled, accept store credit so they don’t lose that sale.
Buy gift cards online
If you are able to stay home, and feel too anxious to go to public places at the moment, see if you are able to buy gift cards online. You can use them after we all get through this.
Another idea, in relation to gift cards, is buy your “homemade” cup of coffee. When you make a cup of coffee, buy a $5 gift card online from your favorite coffee shop as if you were setting up in your favorite cozy nook.
Check social media for inventory, hours and services.
This is a strange time for local creators, and they aren’t sure how much will be purchased in a day due to the world’s current state. Call beforehand or check their website/social media to be up to date with what they are selling and times they are open.
Your favorite jewelry stores or flower shops are coming up with creative ways to still get business – support them if you can!
Support your local wine/beer/coffee shops when you can
You see all the memes of people hoarding wine and we know the larger grocery stores are getting business during this time. Head to your local liquor store for beer or buy coffee from your favorite coffee shop. In Jacksonville, some of my favorite coffee shops are offering delivery of their beans to make at home!
Jax locals – Town Beer Co., Riverside liquors and Alewife are great places to go!
For a list of local coffee shops in Jax: Jacksonville Coffee Shops
Send and share the love
If you are at a place where financially you can’t give in the way of gift cards, leave reviews on google or their facebook pages. Like and comment on their social media and share all their ways to still help! It will give them encouragement and is a priceless way to help out.
Offer Encouragement and kindness.
Everyone is struggling in their own way. We all experience our emotions and anxiety differently – so let’s be kind as much as possible. Tell a local business that what they are doing has incredible value and how much you appreciate them. Show encouragement, and words of strength to those who are navigating this tough time as a small business.
If there are other ways we can support local establishments and creatives during this time, leave them in the comments of this post or message me over on instagram.
We will get through this together.
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