We’ve been told to stay at home and practice social distancing, but where does this leave small and independent businesses? During these worrying times, many independent businesses will suffer greatly as the public take the government's advice to stay indoors, but there are still ways we as South Londoners can help these businesses stay on their feet. With jobs and in many cases livelihoods on the line, here’s some ways you can still support your local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Order From Local Restaurants Online
Ordering from your local restaurants or cafes online is one of the easiest ways you can support these local businesses, whilst still keeping yourself safe. Many restaurants already have an online delivery service in place, whether it be through their own website or through sites like Deliveroo, so you can enjoy delicious, local food: perfect for a relaxing evening to destress. This is one of the easiest things you can do, whether you have to self-isolate or are simply trying to spend less time out of the house, this doesn’t mean your favourite independent restaurant or cafe has to suffer. You can even tip the delivery driver to make their day as every contribution helps!
Order From Your Favourite Local Shops Online
Whether it's your local bookshop, clothes shop or boutique you want to support, many of these you can support online! Whilst many of these stores remain open and are taking all the precautions to keep their stores clean and hygienic, you can support them by having their products delivered straight to your door. To shop for books, we recommend using the website Hive, where you can look up your local bookshop in your area and get any of their stock delivered to your door. This can also be done for the dozens of independent clothing stores and other high street independents that are inspiring us with their determination not to let this pandemic affect their thriving businesses. Just because you’re stuck working from home, doesn’t mean you can’t look amazing in some new clothes doing it!
Purchase A Gift Card Or Voucher To Use At A Later Date
Purchase a gift card or voucher to keep you hopeful for when you get to visit these shops in person again. As the quote goes, ‘this too shall pass’! These anxieties and worries won’t stick around forever, so right now it's important to stay hopeful. Many of the bars, cafes, restaurants and shops in South London sell gift cards and vouchers, where you can treat yourself or someone who needs cheering up and have something to look forward to. This is a great way to support local cafes, bars and shops that are unable to provide delivery, but still need your help!
Stop Panic Buying In Big Supermarkets
Stop panic buying from big supermarket chains and check out your local greengrocer! If you’re keeping your outings to a minimum, make it count and pick up your food from an independent greengrocer. Greengrocers like Good Food in Catford and The Village Green Grocers in Greenwich are staying strong and still open for business, taking extra precautions like many independent supermarkets and greengrocers are taking with hygiene. Too many of the public are hitting the big stores and making the mistake of forgetting about the incredible stock local supermarkets have too. We encourage you to visit these independent stores to get your essentials in preparation for staying at home if needed and avoid the stress of seeing the empty shelves at the big stores!
Rate Your Favourite Businesses 5 Stars and Support Them On Social Media
If COVID-19 has left you more cautious about money, you can still support your local businesses completely free by giving them a review. Every time you give an independent business a 5 star review, it heightens their exposure, something every shop and business needs now more than ever. Many businesses have also released statements on their social media pages, whether it’s to say they're staying open and taking precautions or to announce they're introducing delivery. By sharing these posts and liking them, you are spreading the message and letting your local community know that these businesses are still here and fighting.
Donate To Local Charities
If you have the money to spare, please consider donating to your local charities that are working hard to support both individuals and groups that are struggling. Head to COVID-19 Mutual Aid UK to find a listing of all the local groups in your area that need your help, whether it’s to pick up some food or some company. This mutual aid scheme is primarily a way to support people and you can even do this when self-isolating, by simply picking up the phone and having meaningful conversations with those that are alone during this time. You can use websites like Local Giving to find local food banks and other charities in your area that you can support.
What Is The South London Club?
The South London Club is a local discount card to help support small independent businesses across South London whilst saving all who live, work & play in South London money! With over 850+ local discounts to choose from, you will discover & explore all the best hidden gems in South London. Join over 7,000 of us & celebrate all that's independent & South London!