This is a different blog post than what we normally share, but…things are definitely not normal right now, so we’re staying consistent with the theme!
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic, now having crossed over into the United States and gaining legs here — thus, having a direct impact on our society.
One thing is for certain — it’s tough times for everyone.
While there are toilet paper shortages happening and social distancing is being heavily suggested, the economy is suffering and as a result of it all, small businesses are hurting.
Whether they’ve decided to temporarily close their doors, change their operating hours, or they’re currently experiencing little to no work, there are plenty of affordable, low-cost ways that you can support your favorite local businesses while they try to stay afloat right now.
Below, we’ve listed a few particular businesses that are suffering as a result of the coronavirus and ideas for how you can help to support them.
Pet Sitters
*wink wink* Did you really think we were going to make a list and not include ourselves?
All jokes aside, pet sitters are being heavily impacted by the virus. With many offices going remote and vacations being postponed for the time being, pet sitters are seeing a decrease in the amount of dog walks and drop-in visits being scheduled.
Check with your pet sitter to see if they have any deals going on that you can take advantage of, or if you can buy services in advance to use down the road.
While we can’t speak for other pet sitters, we can give you the scoop on our COVID-19 deals and how you can help support Hunter’s Pet Sitting during this time:
-Healthcare Workers get 15% off daily walks & visits
Are you a healthcare worker impacted by the long hours of COVID-19? As a thank you for your service and dedication, take 15% off all daily dog walks and drop-in visits for your pets.
Valid for new clients only
Valid until April 15, 2020
-Buy FOUR Drop-In Visits/Walks and Receive One FREE
Take advantage of our first sale ever! Do you have a vacation that’s been rescheduled due to coronavirus? Or perhaps you’re thinking ahead to your Christmas plans? You’re in luck, because the visits purchased through this offer have NO EXPIRATION DATE.
Valid for new and existing clients
Valid until March 31, 2020
To take advantage of these offers, please contact Hunter via text or e-mail.
Coffee Shop
Your favorite local coffee shop that you hit up every Friday on your way to work may be closed for the foreseeable future, but luckily you don’t have to suffer without their bean juice!
Get in touch with them and inquire about buying their coffee beans in bulk. Even if you can’t recreate your favorite oat milk latte, you can get creative with it. Plus, we can guarantee one thing — you’re going to NEED coffee over these next few weeks, especially if you’re working from home!
Bakery
For the time being, lots of bakeries are staying open with limited hours and only takeout options available.
You might have to make a trip, but a great way to support your local bakery is to head over and pick up some goodies in bulk to enjoy at breakfast with your family, since most meals are being done in the comfort of our homes these days.
Maybe you’re a #CoronaBride and you’re in the process of rescheduling a wedding? Inquire with your local bakery about a future need for a cake or other baked goods.
Restaurant
By far and large, the food & beverage service industry is suffering the most. With tourism at an all time low and people staying in their homes, restaurants and their staff’s pockets have holes at the moment.
Stop in and pick up some gift cards for birthday or Christmas presents. Additionally, if you’re ordering takeout — please, tip well!
Many restaurants have slashed delivery fees and are still operating that way. Download DoorDash or UberEats and get your cravings in that way, too!
Bar/Brewery
Bars and breweries are right there with the food & beverage service industry suffering. A typical Friday night activity has become an activity that people are now reminiscing on with social distancing and establishment closures.
Lots of local bars and breweries have their own unique brands, and offer different things aside from IPAs.
Your best bet is to reach out to them via social media or phone, and see if you can order a six pack or bottle of wine to go! With bars being closed, you can stock up on a wide array of beer and wine and do a mini tasting at home for a fun night in. Just make sure you’re in groups of 10 or less, please!
Another option is to see what type of merchandise they have available. Many places sell shirts, stickers, bags, or cups/mugs. Stock up while the getting is good! Plus, lots may be running promos.
Boutique
Can you say online shopping?
Coronavirus Deals is the new Cyber Monday. But seriously, a lot of stores are running great deals right now. Your local boutique might have an online store available. Instead of going down the Amazon route, check out the sales your local boutique has going on! You may be able to order items online to be delivered or set up curbside pickup.
If they don’t have an online store available, go back down the gift card route. You may not be able to shop now, but it’ll make holiday shopping MUCH easier this year. Thinking ahead!
Gym/Workout Studio
At this point, a majority of locally-owned gyms and workout studios have closed. With CDC recommending social distancing and small gatherings of only 10 people or less, these close-knit spaces aren’t operating.
Luckily, we live in a digital age. If you have some type of a membership, many studios are offering streamed workout classes. Take advantage of it! Grab your laptop, head outside, and follow along to a yoga flow or HIIT routine.
If your gym or studio isn’t offering live streams, take this time to purchase the merchandise you always pass by and wish for!
After School Programs
As of now, Florida schools have officially closed until April 15th, 2020. We’re not telling you to help the schools, but…if your child is enrolled in a third party after school program, they may be suffering right now.
With the end of the school year being so close and school closures exceeding, now is a time where parents may look at their finances and remove the after-school program that their child can’t participate in. In this case, they may also be offering live streams online. Get in touch and see what they’ve got going on.
Otherwise, many are offering temporary holds on accounts and allowing vouchers for future use. Take advantage of this time to get ahead for next school year!
We hope you found these tips helpful and that you heed them in order to help keep your favorite local establishments afloat. That way, they’ll be there for you when things go back to normal!
How are you going to help support a small business today? Let us know in the comments below!
This blog post was written by Kelsey Kryger. Kelsey is a fitness professional, writer, and social media manager. She has been a part of the HPS Team as their social media manager, blog writer, and pet sitter for nearly two years. When she’s not working on Hunter’s Pet Sitting’s latest blog post or sharing cute pics of furry clients, she’s hanging at home with her pup, Leo, and her kitten, Elvis!
