Everyone around the country has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many jobs have shifted to working from home, schools have been closed, and entire industries have been upended. Small businesses have been one of the most heavily impacted segments, with millions of companies struggling to stay afloat.
In California alone, there are more than 4 million small businesses trying to survive during the pandemic. Even as you are staying safe at home and doing your part to stop the spread of the disease, you can continue to support these businesses. Try these tips to patronize local businesses in the Bellflower area during the pandemic.
Get Takeout or Delivery
Business changed overnight for restaurants during COVID-19, and many eateries have worked hard to adapt and safely continue to provide food to customers. While dine-in eating might not be back to normal for awhile, you can still get drive-thru fish tacos at Taco Nazo or get some chilaquiles and bacon waffles delivered from The Nest. Whatever you are in the mood for, there is sure to be a local restaurant working hard to provide it for you in a whole new way.
Take Online Classes
Staying at home to stop the spread of COVID-19 can make you a bit stir crazy. If you’re looking for something to do, try taking some online classes from local businesses. Take online yoga and workout classes to keep you moving, and support the gym you love. If you want to branch out, there may even be some online art or music classes for you or your kids.
Pay Now, Enjoy Later
While you are learning to cut your own hair, give yourself a manicure or cook a gourmet meal, the businesses you used to visit for these services are struggling. When you can’t use delivery, curbside pickup, or virtual classes to support your local business, it can be difficult to find a way to give them your business. One option to consider is buying gift certificates or paying in advance for services or memberships that you can use when restrictions are relaxed. Animals at the zoo need to be fed, even when people can’t come to visit. Giving your favorite local businesses money now will help keep their doors open until the day comes that you can go back.
Doing what you can to support your local businesses can help your life feel a little more normal, while also funding these shops during the pandemic. Get creative and find ways to show these shops some love.