Retail Therapy and Keeping Local Shops Afloat During COVID-19

If you’re reading this when it goes live, the globe has joined hands in fighting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Several of the hardest-hit countries have closed borders, locked down citizens, and are facing supply shortages. During a time when we are sequestered to our homes, life goes on. We still are working from home (as much as we can.) We are still doing laundry, washing dishes, mowing the lawn, and a lot of us are still shopping. Online fulfillment has been a blessing for most homes during a time when retail is shut down everywhere. It is providing essentials along with a refreshing splash of normalcy.

So before you hit that checkout button, pause for a moment and think if anything you’re already purchasing from a huge company with deep pockets can be bought from your favorite small business. Your candles, stationery, home repair items, a new dress, handbag, or cutlery can probably be purchased locally. Most small businesses right now are adapting to this new style of online ordering or call-in orders. They are either shipping for you or even wrapping up orders to pick on curbside. Although Starner Styles isn’t offering a curbside pick up as we don’t have a brick and mortar location, it is always good to check with other local favorites to see if this is an option. It is important to support these local places; it is how we’ll still be able to visit them long after this crisis resolves.

At Starner Styles, we have currently postponed any in-person trunk shows and events, honoring shelter-in-place orders. We are still taking purchase-orders and fulfilling them through the mail. It’s just like any normal order-online purchase that you’re used to. For the time being until self-quarantines are lifted, this is how we’ll support our customers. Safety and health is a huge priority for us and we will do everything to ensure that for our community.

Gift Cards and Certificates

Another great idea to support local businesses without exchanging any physical items is GIFT CERTIFICATES or GIFT CARDS! Hallelujah! You can call or hop on a chat with the shop and ask for a digital gift certificate or gift card. She’ll send it right to your inbox, with no one even chancing the exchange of germs! This is one of my favorite ways you can help your local community shop owners during this time because it is the safest way to go about it.

Live Online Shopping Events

Many small businesses, especially product-based businesses, are taking to social media to host online shopping events. This is one way that Starner Styles is supporting the community during this time. We are bringing out the inventory, setting up our phones, and pressing LIVE to offer a virtual shopping experience. It’s quite different from simply browsing online because you get to see the garments live and moving. You get personal descriptions from the host and you get to hear all the details about each piece being featured.

How are you helping to support your favorite small businesses during this time? If you’re already on the market for items, think about purchasing locally first before you give your dollars to a large corporation. Support small. Support local. Get the personal touch. Together we’ll lift each other up during this challenging time.

If you’re up for it, drop three recommendations on how to make the most out of your shelter-in-place time.