A Global Pandemic is Time for Local Support

A look at how you can support local businesses during COVID-19

With stores, galleries, and other local businesses opening up again, many of us are having difficulty navigating our ‘new normal’. While social media continues to individually remind us that we’re all in this together, it’s sometimes hard to see how we can help the little places we no longer frequent. So, what can we do to support our local economy and keep our artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs from closing up shop?

Restaurants

As we adjust to life at home, we’re faced with the challenge of balancing school, work, and our personal lives on an undetermined schedule. With everything going on, it can be difficult to make time to eat properly. Thankfully, our local restaurants are around to help us out! Most places are still offering take-out or delivery. If COVID has left your wallet bare, try checking social media for your favourite restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops. In order to keep themselves afloat, some local businesses are turning to giveaways and rewards systems!

Thunder Bay: if you’re in a tight spot and aren’t sure where your next meal is coming from, check out Eat Local Pizza. Their efforts to support their community through COVID by feeding those who can’t always feed themselves has created a whole movement of love and care for the city. 

Crafters/Artisans

Do you have a bit of spare time? Why not look into attending a workshop held by your local potter, or check out some of the new scents that your local candle-makers have been working on? Whatever the craft, there are endless artisans seeking support through the pandemic. By attending Zoom or socially-distanced workshops and encouraging local crafters, you’re helping to motivate them creatively. Local markets are another great way to support local artisans: with a wide variety of detailed and carefully crafted items for sale, your money will be paying their phone or hydro bill instead of padding a big company’s bank account.

Artists and Galleries

The Argus has reviewed and shared countless gallery openings, emerging artists, and art  shows over the years. With the pandemic, these events have been difficult to hold and promote. Where art openings were once a vibrant social setting, directors are now constricted by precautionary measures: try as they might, it’s not quite the same. However, ticket purchases, donations, and merchandise sales continue to support them through this period where attendance is lower. Artists themselves are continuing to create, but with the lack of showings available, it can be difficult to continue to make a profit. The most effective way to show your support is through social media! By sharing, commenting, and liking posts made by creators, you can improve their engagement and help them increase their following (and, potentially, their income)!

Stores

Looking at that fancy new face cream on sephora.ca? Or maybe a new pair of jeans from American Eagle? Why not throw on your mask and head downtown? Local shops have pretty well anything you could need, from kitchen supplies to kids toys; they may cost a dollar or two more, but your money stays in the community and helps your neighbours stay afloat. 

This pandemic has made life difficult for many people. Those of us with the privilege of having some financial freedom and job security through it all have the option of supporting those who may not. While it can be easy to spend $50 on retail therapy from Urban Outfitters or Winners, that $50 could be the difference between a well-rounded dinner and dry toast for your favourite local artist. 

Are you motivated to support local businesses? Let us know how you do it (and what your favourites are) in the comments!