How to help businesses right now
You won’t be able to visit as many Old Strathcona businesses for at least three weeks this May. But they all still need you to shop, eat, and support them!
Here are some of the best ways to support your favourite local businesses right now.
Restaurants
Order delivery, curbside pickup or grab some takeout. Many restaurants and cafés also offer discounts if you call them directly to place an order for pickup.
Stock up your pantry with condiments and coffee beans. You can find more and more restaurants offering these items for take-home. It’s also a good way to boost your support on a takeout order.
Get your drinks to go. Restaurants can throw in a beer or cocktail with your order. Bonus points if you order a beverage from an Edmonton brewery or distillery!
Retail
Most shops and stores will remain open, but are limited to 10% customer capacity at any time. If you feel comfortable shopping in your mask, please stop by.
You can also shop from home, with more stores now offering curbside pickup or delivery. Check ahead for changes to hours and shopping options.
Fitness
Check out your gym’s website or social media channels for online and home workouts. Some may be free and some will be classes you can enroll in to keep up your motivation. You can also get personalized exercise plans from their trainers.
If the gym is booking future classes, this is a great way to show them some love for when they re-open.
Personal and wellness service
Since these businesses will be closed completely any support you can offer is very helpful. If they sell items, like shampoo or hair product, order some for pickup or delivery. If they’re offering future bookings or a waitlist, get your name on there and tell your friends too.
Health services
You can still book a massage, physiotherapy or dental visit. Please make sure to show up for your appointments, or cancel in advance so they can re-book, as space may be more limited than usual. Check ahead for any changes to hours, or requirements of customers and patients.
Professional services
Offices of accountants, lawyers and other professionals are still open by appointment. (Did you remember to file your taxes by April 30???). Hours and operations may change due to public health restrictions, so make sure to confirm details before you head to scheduled appointments.
Things That Help Everyone
Gift cards – If your favourite business has gift cards, buy some now and it helps both of you. The business will get some cash immediately and you get yourself a fun treat or needed service later.
Like, Review, Share – If you’re not already following your favourite spots on social media, what are you waiting for?! Engage with their content, tag in your friends, and leave reviews when you love a product or had a great experience. These actions help bring more engagement to their profiles and ultimately help new customers find them!
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Please remember to call ahead or check websites and social media for business hours or other changes. Even if a business is not required to be closed to the public, you may find they have voluntarily chosen to do so for public health. We can get through this, Edmonton.