Social distance and self-imposed quarantines are good for community health during the coronavirus and COVID-19 outbreak, but it’s toxic for small businesses. Local businesses are getting creative — necessity being the mother of invention — and continuing to serve local residents in new ways. Small businesses are the backbone of our parish and will be deeply affected by this global event.
“Right now is a scary time for all of us as we don’t know what to expect” says Puddles & Lace Owner, Jennifer Mixon. “We all need to stay safe, but support each other in this time of need. We at Puddles & Lace are staying open throughout this crisis and are here to help each other. Please remember the awesome small businesses we have in our town, a 4-week closure could be devastating to many small businesses that don’t have the funds to stay open without your support. We employ your friends, family and neighbors and we want to keep it that way. Thank you for your continued support.”
Wondering how you can support small business during this time of social distancing, sickness and confusion?
1. Participate in LABI’s #GiftCardChallenge
With the COVID-19 affecting local restaurants and retailers all across our state, LABI President Stephen Waguespack is issuing the #giftcardchallenge to staff, partners, and neighbors from around Louisiana — buy a gift card from your favorite spot to support small business.
2. Continue to shop local online
Several Acadia Parish businesses have an online presence and are working diligently to fill orders and serve their customer base!
3. Take advantage of curbside pickup + drop-off services
Several Acadia Parish businesses are in the works of starting up curbside and delivery services from within the restaurant. Many independently owned restaurants and food businesses that haven’t previously done so are now getting on to delivery platforms like Roadrunner and Waitr.
We have a comprehensive list of businesses in the works of who are responding to Governor Edward’s orders, and how they plan to carry out service over the next few weeks – do your part and support them if you are physically able and healthy enough to get out!
4. Give a positive review
A lot of businesses will be rebuilding a client base after this. Share your positive experiences through Yelp, Facebook and Google to help them attract new clientele. Such a simple and FREE way to say thank you!
5. Keep your membership or subscription active
It is tempting to freeze or cancel, but monthly memberships are the lifeblood of so many businesses. Freeze and cancellations, directly affect whether a business can pay rent, utilities, payroll etc. and ultimately stay in business.
6. Remember to Tip… and make it a good one
Enjoying those deliveries as you hunker down during social distancing? Show some extra gratitude for those doing all the legwork for you! Grabbing some coffee or a meal? Double your tip!
7. Patience + Understanding
We need our loyal customers and love local supporters to still try to support small businesses anyway that they can.
Support Our Retailers:
- Antiques on the Avenue
- Bordelon’s Home Furnishings
- Boutique Forty-Six
- Brandt’s Jewelry & Gifts
- Church Point Wholesale
- Cramer Equipment & Supply Co. LLC
- Gail’s Gifts
- Gremillion’s Drug Store, Inc.
- Indigo Blue
- Landry’s Feed Store, Inc.
- Louisiana Church Interiors
- Lowe’s
- Nestled & Company
- Poise and Personality
- Puddles & Lace LLC
- Ray’s Gifts & Interiors
- Rice City Designs, LLC
- Salvador’s Jewelers & Gifts
- Shabby to Chic Salon & Boutique
- Shop Rite + Tobacco Plus
- Southern Tire & Appliance
- Stine Lumber
- Sunshine Quality Solutions
