How to Shop Local, Online.
May 8, 2020Find the best food, classes and wares
Local small businesses and their employees continue to struggle. While we’ve seen creative ideas from restaurants, other businesses that operate on tight margins, rely on now-disrupted supply chains, and count on foot traffic are not faring well.
We thank you for the support you’ve given so far. And if you can, here are additional ways to help keep our local small businesses going:
Online/virtual coaching & training programs: It’s safer to stay at home but regular exercise is more important than ever. Many local centers are offering Zoom workouts, socially-distanced personal training, and group support on social media.
Online cooking classes: Chefs are sharing their creativity with their customers—from bread baking to Creole-Haitian cooking, to virtual wine-tasting parties, and everything in between. They’re offering free instruction and opportunities to purchase ingredients through their restaurants.
Online farmer’s markets: Local artisans that normally do well at busy outdoor markets need our support. Those that make yummy baked goods, organic offerings, and handmade gifts are selling their wares virtually through these collective sites.
Online artisans: In addition to the farmer’s market sites, some locals have websites for online ordering and delivery. Here’s where you’ll find your favorite cookie bakers, kombucha brewers, chocolatiers, beekeepers, granola makers, and freshly-caught seafood sellers, among many others.
Restaurant takeout and delivery: They still need our help, too. The Sun-Sentinel has removed the paywall to their site that lists all of the local eateries offering takeout and delivery, all in one place.
Don’t forget to give a shout-out: Take a picture of your purchase, post it on your personal social media pages, and tag the small business. Your friends could become their new customers!
Follow the rules: When you go into a store to shop, please do your part to follow the safety rules. If masks are required, or you need to stand six feet apart while waiting to pay, please do just that. Following the rules to flatten the curve is how we begin to revive the economy.
