How You Can Support Small Businesses Right Now

Now more than ever, the importance of shopping locally and supporting small businesses is apparent. We’re in unprecedented times, and small businesses around the world are feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. While it’s important to stay safe, there are still plenty of ways you can support your locally-owned businesses from the comfort of your home! We’re sharing some easy ways you can support small businesses right now, no matter where you live.

Why it’s important to support local businesses

Local businesses are owned and operated by your neighbors! They care about and are invested in the well-being of your community and its future. When you purchase at locally-owned businesses rather than nationally-owned, more money is kept in the community. Purchasing local also helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base.

Local businesses are also more accountable to their local communities and donate more money to non-profits. As a single-store retailer, Eagle Eye Outfitters believes it is important for us to give back to the community we serve. We want people to know that we are local, our team is local, and we support making our local community a better place.

You probably didn’t know that in 2019, Eagle Eye paid employees for 2,500 community volunteer hours through our volunteer time off (VTO) program. Instead of working in the store, employees worked in the community assisting non-profits, churches, and other charitable organizations. We also made monitory donations of over $100K to local non-profits and charities during 2019, in addition to our VTO program.

What you can do to help support local businesses right now

Some of you have asked, “How can I help local businesses during the coronavirus?” While many people are practicing social distancing on the recommendation of public health experts, there are still plenty of ways you can support your local small businesses during this time.

1. Buy gift cards to use later

One of the most significant ways you can support your favorite small businesses right now is by purchasing gift cards from them to use at a later date.

2. Place online orders

Shopping online allows you to continue to support local businesses while simultaneously practicing social distancing and keeping yourself and others safe. Free shipping on orders over $50.

3. Interact with local businesses’ posts on social media

Like and comment on our posts, watch our stories, and share our content with your friends! It doesn’t cost you a thing, but it goes a long way in spreading the word to others about our store. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook!

4. Leave a good review

Did you have a pleasant interaction with an employee or an overall positive experience last time you visited our store? Share that story online! Those reviews are read by potential customers and can lead to more business for your favorite local shops. You can leave a review for Eagle Eye on Google or Facebook!

5. Make a list of things you may want or need in the future

Do you have family photos coming up? Or a vacation planned for later this summer? Make a list of what you need for these events, then plan to make your purchases at a local store once things are back to business as usual. We’d love to help you find exactly what you need next time you visit us at Eagle Eye Outfitters!

If you are a small business owner, this article is a great resource for helping to keep your employees and customers safe while keeping your business running!

Here at Eagle Eye, our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the recent events. We’re praying for the communities, businesses, and families impacted by this crisis, and we are grateful to be a part of such a loving and supportive community here in the Wiregrass.