During a time of uncertainty and self-isolation, this period will undoubtedly be the hardest many independent stores, cafes and restaurants and businesses have ever faced. In difficult times it’s more important than ever that we act as a community, so we’ve compiled a list of meaningful ways to support your favourite businesses.
Invest in their future with a gift card or a pledge.
Many businesses are taking measures to protect their future and the livelihoods of their staff. You can help by visiting the websites of your favourite brands to see if they’re selling gift cards or accepting future pledges; consider it an investment. After bookings fell by 40%, restaurant Tart London introduced a new ‘pledging’ system for customers planning to dine in the future. Similarly, beauty booking directory Beautystack has suggested clients book summer appointments, so their favourite workers can receive much-needed deposits in advance. Do check-in on your favourite brands to see if they’re offering any similar initiatives.
Leave a review.
Think back: when was the last time you showed your favourite brand some online appreciation? We speak from experience; there’s never a bad time to hear an important piece of feedback or a thoughtful review from a customer. For the founders and small teams behind your favourite brands, self-isolation will be the perfect opportunity for reflection on all aspects of their business. So, let them know that they’re doing great things as well as some suggestions for the future after the storm has passed. Whether it’s on Google, their website, or even TripAdvisor, it’ll be appreciated.
Engage with their socials.
Use your time in self-isolation to productively engage with brands where it matters, there has never been a better time to make use of social media. Make sure to like, comment and react to give them a boost. But why stop there? For these brands, a share on your stories or a shout-out on your feed could mean exposure to hundreds of new people (if not thousands).
Visit their stores online.
And finally, one of the upsides of our digital age is that any brick-and-mortar store is likely to have an online site. Although you’re currently unable to visit any IRL store, you can still support your favourite businesses by paying them a visit online. No matter how big or small your order is, online purchases are what will keep brands afloat in this testing time