How to support local independent businesses this Christmas

Christmas is usually one of the busiest and most lucrative times of the year for small businesses. Whether it’s shoppers buying gifts for loved ones, families and friends enjoying meals and drinks in family-run restaurants or people visiting salons for a pre-Christmas pamper.

As restrictions on social gatherings and footfall continue, there are many ways that you can do your bit to support your local community and help to keep cherished businesses afloat beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Have your local retailers launched online?

Some local businesses have used the COVID-19 lockdowns to turn their attention towards their websites. In fact, e-commerce has been the lifeline of many small retailers, allowing them to deliver goods and services, even if they cannot serve customers face-to-face.

Whatever you need, double-check whether your local retailers have a functioning e-commerce website, where you can buy the same items on your computer or smartphone.

2. Check if click and collect or delivery services are available

Even if your trusted local retailers don’t have an e-commerce platform, it’s possible they may be continuing to trade using click and collect or their own delivery services.

Many small businesses have invested time and energy to ensuring their shop floors are COVID-secure, maintaining social distancing and keeping areas clean and sanitised, so you should be able to buy over the phone and pick up your purchases in confidence.

3. Purchase gift cards from your local businesses

If you are physically unable to use the local businesses and services that you value so highly, you can still financially support them if you wish by purchasing a gift voucher. Buying the gift cards ensures local businesses maintain cash flow, securing work in advance for when normal service is resumed.

4. Promote small business services on social media

The easiest way you can support local firms is to use word of mouth on social media to share their products or services and make invaluable recommendations. It will make a real difference.

5. Support virtual Christmas markets

For many of us, Christmas markets are one of the most enjoyable ways to get into the festive spirit. By exploring the local artisans and producers that hand-craft gifts and products for Christmas, millions of us support local economies year in, year out. Many Christmas markets are going online with virtual displays and demonstrations, followed by the chance to buy from local creatives online.

6. Support your favourite restaurants offering takeaways

Although it’s not quite the same as sitting down to eat together in a warm and welcoming pub or restaurant, you can help keep your favourite eateries in business by ordering takeaway meals direct from their kitchens. Many have set up takeaway booths at the entrance to their establishments, making it easy for you to order online or over the telephone and pick up delicious meals cooked by the same chefs you know and love, with zero staff contact necessary.

By taking at least one of the six steps above you can do your bit to support entrepreneurs that are demonstrating heart and creativity to cope through the coronavirus crisis.

Date published 26 Nov 2020 | Last updated 26 Nov 2020

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