The spreading of the pandemic has forced millions of people throughout NYC to hunker down and stay inside. The numbers of the newly affected keep on rising every single day
so isolation and social distancing have become the new norm. However, although ‘quarantining’ is necessary for stopping the spread of the virus and keeping one safe and healthy, it has had a catastrophic effect on almost all NYC small businesses. Cash flow has decreased, so owners are forced to either completely close their doors, cut wages, or even dismiss their staff. Because of those reasons, it is crucial, now more than ever, to support small businesses! If you are interested in how to do that, here are 6 ways to support NYC small business through pandemic.
Shop From Local Businesses – the number one among the ways to support NYC small business through pandemic
Whether you need to buy groceries for your next lunch, art supplies for your children, or pet food for your furry friend, try to buy it from local sellers. Local stores are the ones suffering the most right now, so support them by shopping from them. The good news is that most businesses nowadays have their own websites and delivery methods, so, you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. But, if you prefer shopping at the brick-and-mortar stores, you can do that too, just make sure you protect yourself from viral diseases. Local business owners are your neighbors, after all, so treat them as such!
Purchase Gift Cards
Another great way to support NYC small businesses through the pandemic is to purchase gift cards from them. That way, you will put actual money in a small business that can help them survive these difficult times. You can use that gift card immediately or in the future – it is up to you. Moreover, you can give it to your family member, a neighbor, or keep it for yourself. Or, if you know somebody who has just moved into your building, for example, you can give it to him/her as a welcoming gift. Trust us, a person who has moved to NYC needs all the help he/she can get. Remember – the motifs to settle here are numerous, but so are the reasons for helping small businesses and people around you.
Eat From Nearby Restaurants
Once again – go local. Buy your bread at the local bakery. Drink your coffee at your local coffee shop. Eat from local restaurants. Of course, many of the restaurants and food corners had to be closed because of the pandemic, but, that only applies to dine-in options. Deliveries and take-out options are open now more than ever and they are able to deliver anything you desire eating in no time. So, the next time you do not feel like cooking and you are in the mood for a portion of pasta with Sicilian sauce, order it from your local restaurant or your local fast food shop. It won’t make any difference to you, but it will make a huge difference to local ‘eating houses’.
If Possible, Tip a Little Extra
While social distancing and quarantining, service workers were the ones who worked the most. You stayed in the comfort of your home while they brought everything you need at your door. And, even with all that work, they are still the ones that got financially affected the most. So, if possible, tip them a little extra. A couple of dollars here and there will, for them and their business, go a long way. They deserve it – after all, they are the ones going outside and doing all the work so that you wouldn’t have to. Moreover, they are always making sure that everything you are getting in touch with is safe and uncontaminated. So, while their job is to keep you safe, it is your to keep them in business.
Promote Local Businesses on Social Media
However, if you just cant afford to buy anything and order take-out, or if you have stocked up with everything you need for the time being, you can support NYC small businesses by talking about them on your social media. Whether it is a moving company like U. Santini Moving and Storage, a pastry shop, or a computer service, mentioning them on social media can really improve their business. You can, for example, share their posts so that your friends can see them. Or, you can leave a good review that will attract more customers and consumers. Doing this does requires no money, just a little bit of time and energy. Who knows, a couple of your clicks can encourage others from the community to do the same and change somebody’s entire business. So, do not be lazy.
Keep Your Memberships – the final among the ways to support NYC small business through pandemic
Many NYC small businesses like gyms, cinemas, museums, kid’s playgrounds, etc., have been temporarily closed. So, it goes without saying that those businesses are suffering from a great deal of money loss. Many of them may even not be able to recover after the pandemic. The only way they can survive these difficult times is through money flows that come from memberships. So, if it is possible for you to continue paying for your membership card, do it. Calculate your monthly costs of living in NYC. Then, if there is enough money left in your budget, contact the companies. Maybe you can even make a deal pay a lesser amount of money and then get something for free after all of this is over. Talk to your friends about this too, share the news, and it may be you who saved one company in the end