It has only been a few days since the lives of Alexandrians were upended by school closures, a local (and state and federal) state of emergency and an apparent shortage of toilet paper — but locally-owned, small businesses are already taking a hit.
Social distance and self-imposed quarantines are good for community health during the coronavirus and COVID-19 outbreak, but it’s toxic for Alexandria’s small businesses.
Temporary layoffs are already affecting local residents. Several small businesses have canceled events and classes. Local daycares, cleaning services and dog walkers are feeling the pinch as residents start to telecommute, and small businesses are seeing fewer customers.
Local businesses are getting creative — necessity being the mother of invention — and continuing to serve local residents in new ways.
For example, the knitting store Fibre Space is seeing an interest in knitting as a stress-reliever while quarantined, so the store is offering knitting kits for curbside pick-up or shipping for customers. They are also starting an online movement using the hashtag #quarantineknitting to bring people together online.
Old Town Books is also offering delivery services and encouraging residents to shop online through local retailer websites. Old Town Books posted on Facebook: “Call the store to talk with a bookseller and pick out a new book. And: Even get a stack of books delivered to your door! We’re offering $1 shipping and free local (within Alexandria) delivery this week and next. Fill up your ‘to be read’ stack and help your little neighborhood bookshop.”
If you can afford it, several pet services companies are asking you to keep up your normal routines, including dog walking services, doggie daycare and grooming. (Your dog will be happy to see his or her friends, anyway.)
If you aren't sure whether your favorite local small business is offering accommodations for social distancing, call them and ask.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our country and will be deeply affected by this global event. They are on the front line of this crisis,” the Old Town Boutique District wrote on Facebook. “We need our loyal customers and love local supporters to still try to support small businesses anyway that they can. Once this crisis passes, the reality faced by some small businesses might be to close because of this economic hardship.”
Other Ways You Can Help
In addition, these tips are from the Old Town Boutique District:
- Purchase a gift card now to use at a later date (any dollar amount counts!)
- Take advantage of curbside pickup/drop-off services
- Sign up for virtual community experiences/activations
- Ask/check in on your favorite boutique owner and ask how you can help or let them know you are thinking about them (it's the little things that mean a lot).
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