Spring is officially here! Traditionally, this is the time we would be shopping for pretty dresses and light jackets to transition from one season to the next. But our shopping carts and habits look A LOT different this year!
Since we are not leaving the house and many small businesses have been forced to shut their storefronts, it is easy to just order the things you need from Amazon or other large retail chains. But I know how local businesses are struggling, so I’m making a point to find ways to support my favorite Chicago-based businesses. Are you feeling it too? Here are a few ways we can show a little love for local businesses during this shutdown:
Shop Online/Place Phone Orders
Many of your local boutiques have products available for sale and are posting them on their Instagram profiles. One of my favorite clothing boutiques in Lincoln Square, Genevieve, is adding new items to their Instagram stories daily and has created highlights with all available products. If you see something you like, you can message or call them and make your payment over the phone. They will ship your item free of charge!
Pre-Pay for Services or Buy Gift Certificates
As you know, all beauty services are on hold for now. But you can still support your local hairstylists and estheticians by pre-paying for your future services or buying a gift certificate. My favorite hairstylist, Lynzie Wellin from LS Hair & Makeup Design, has set up a pre-pay option for her existing clients through her scheduling system. You can purchase a gift certificate too! I encourage you to reach out to your beauty business besties! Ask how you can support them during this difficult time.
Donate to Employee Relief Fundraisers & Order Delivery
Local restaurants and their serving and support staff are hurting right now. Many of them have set up Go Fund Me pages or fundraisers to raise money for their staff. This is such a great way to show that you care. One of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, Le Sud Chicago, set up a relief fund for their staff that I’ve happily contributed to. After this is over, I want them to be able to open back up and continue providing the excellent service and delicious food that they are known for! And don’t forget, many restaurants are still offering delivery services! My favorite local spots — Same Same Thai and John’s Place are both still operating! Same Same is available for order/delivery through Caviar and you can place a family meal order from John’s Place over the phone!
Invest in Virtual Services
A lot of small businesses have innovated and are now offering virtual services or online/live training. I’m offering my virtual Styling Sessions through Skype or Zoom, and so many others have found ways to deliver their valuable services online. I think this is amazing and love to support them. I’ve started doing live yoga sessions with Bare Feet Power Yoga and it has helped so much! Check with your local yoga or workout studios to see if they are offering online classes or live streaming sessions. And if you’re looking to keep the kids active…another wonderful small business owner, Rachel Benson of George’s Gym, actually started a YouTube page with videos to keep kids active while everyone is stuck at home!
These are just a few of the ways you can support small local businesses and help them during this difficult time. I know the world feels like its ending right now, but we will get through this. We’ll be shopping for those pretty spring dresses in no time!
I’m thinking about you. If you feel lonely or need to talk to someone, feel free to reach out! I’m here for you – with a singing toddler in the background!
