{"id":3001,"date":"2020-11-14T12:14:22","date_gmt":"2020-11-14T12:14:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawtondailynews.com\/?p=3001"},"modified":"2020-11-14T12:14:22","modified_gmt":"2020-11-14T12:14:22","slug":"how-to-support-small-businesses-while-shopping-safely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enidpost.com\/index.php\/2020\/11\/14\/how-to-support-small-businesses-while-shopping-safely\/","title":{"rendered":"How to support small businesses while shopping safely"},"content":{"rendered":"

LAWTON, Okla. – The holiday season is underway, and unfortunately, it\u2019s coinciding with a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases.<\/p>\n

Although everyone knows small businesses have suffered badly during the pandemic, they may be reluctant to trek out to local shops and potentially expose themselves to the virus.<\/p>\n

While ordering all of your gifts from Amazon or big box stores may seem like the best way to go this year, there are plenty of ways to support local businesses while staying safe.<\/p>\n

Shop during businesses\u2019 slowest hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not sure when you\u2019ll find the emptiest aisles, call the stores and ask. Shopping during the slow periods provides you with multiple benefits, including not having to wait in long lines to check out. You\u2019ll also reduce your risk of coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19, and you may help protect store staff by not piling in during a rush.<\/p>\n

Chances are, you\u2019ll have a better shopping experience as well. If you need to ask questions about products or services, it will be easier to stand six feet from sales associates when there aren\u2019t a bunch of other people jostling around you. And, of course, wear a mask at all times while shopping.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t see a delivery option, call the store<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Subscribe to get the week\u2019s most important news in your inbox every week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Many small businesses have had to pivot in 2020, bringing their products online and navigating the digital retail space. With so many logistical and financial challenges, they may not have updated their websites with details on delivery orders or curbside pickup policies. But that doesn\u2019t mean they don\u2019t offer those options, or that they wouldn\u2019t be willing to accommodate your needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of people are accommodating, because they don\u2019t have a choice,\u201d said Greg Gillman, chief revenue officer at Los Angeles-based marketing agency\u00a0MuteSix<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Local mandates may force businesses to reduce their in-store capacities or offer delivery or curbside pickup options, so it\u2019s always worth calling and asking about their policies.<\/p>\n

That call may also give you a chance to forge a bond with the owner or to connect more with the brand, Gillman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fun when you call and you might actually find out more about the business and want to support [them] even more,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re so inclined toward these digital transactions where there\u2019s no emotion. When you go into a store and actually talk to someone, it\u2019s a different vibe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although face-to-face interactions may be limited, a phone call can help you understand who you\u2019re buying from and make for a more meaningful shopping experience.<\/p>\n

Buy from online businesses and sellers<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you live in an area with limited shopping options, or you want to\u00a0avoid in-person shopping\u00a0altogether, you can still support small businesses. Look for brands that sell exclusively online, or check out platforms such as Etsy. You can find gift ideas for everyone on your list there, and you\u2019ll be supporting independent artists, crafters and entrepreneurs by ordering through their Etsy pages.<\/p>\n

You might also consider purchasing subscriptions for online zines, digital albums from independent musicians or commission pieces from up-and-coming artists. All of this can be done digitally, and it\u2019s a great way to give unique gifts that your loved ones can enjoy all year round.<\/p>\n