The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on communities all over the globe. Businesses have been forced to close their doors in an effort to minimise social contact and, whilst some organisations have been able to adjust to staff working from home, others (such as those in the hospitality and entertainment sector) have had to stop trade entirely. Some businesses, in fact, may never recover from the damage wrought by covid. However, as lockdown restrictions start to open up again, you might see life start to return to your community. Here are five great ways that you can support local businesses after lockdown.
- Shop locally
The past decade has seen a gradual exodus of shoppers from their local high street to their local supermarket. While supermarkets provide the convenience of a one-stop shop for everything from the weekly groceries to clothing and even electricals, they do take customers away from independent businesses on your local high street. So, instead of automatically doing your weekly shop at a large supermarket chain, why not support local businesses by shopping at independent shops? You may find that you get more out of the shopping experience by making connections with others in your community and buying from business owners who are passionate and knowledgeable about their products.
- Support local cultural and entertainment venues
With cinemas and theatres, museums, and art galleries all forced to close their doors to the public, the entertainment industry has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. With this huge loss of revenue, many cultural venues have had to rely on funding and donations in order to survive during this difficult time. Furthermore, the necessity of carrying out covid compliant renovations to reopen again has placed an additional financial strain on these organisations, with the result being that many may remain closed indefinitely. An example of one near miss is the iconic classical-style Clevedon Curzon Cinema saved from closure by the BFI. To prevent historical-cultural entertainment venues from buckling under the financial pressures of covid and closing, support them by attending viewings and performances, either online or in person, and perhaps making a much-appreciated donation.
- Dine out at local bars and restaurants
The restrictions placed on socialising by the pandemic have been hard for everyone to follow, not least the bars and restaurants who had either rapidly adjust to offering takeaway only or closing their doors for the duration. Though socialising restrictions still remain, most bars and restaurants are back up and running again, with covid safe adjustments. Now is the time to support local hospitality by dining locally. Though this might involve planning your evening more than you normally would – many establishments now require you to make a reservation – you are sure to enjoy the freedom and novelty of once again dining and drinking outside the home and socialising with friends and family whilst supporting local businesses.
- Spread the word
Showing support is not just about spending money. Businesses rely on their reputations and good reviews to establish themselves as a reputable brand that encouragescustomer loyalty and new customers. Help local businesses out by spreading the word. Leave a positive review on their website and social media platforms or wider review sites such as Tripadvisor for businesses in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. Don’t forget about the power of word of mouth, either; talk to your friends and family about the importance of supporting local businesses and provide them with some recommendations to get them started. You might receive a few exciting recommendations yourself!
- Organise a local market or festival
If you enjoy event planning, why not organise a local market or festival to get your community excited about supporting independent businesses and to help them get back on their feet post-lockdown? You could hold this in a local park to facilitate effective social distancing amongst guests, and organise stalls from which local businesses can sell their wares. Local entertainment venues could put on outside shows and parades in which members of the public could participate. Furthermore, local restaurants could even serve alcoholic drinks to guests to accompany food stands with the correct license. If the initial event is a success, you could work with your local council and the businesses involved to establish this as a regular occurrence. For example, a weekly farmer’s market or annual festival in the park. This can really help local businesses generate additional revenue.