As new public health restrictions take effect this week, we want to remind you of all the best – and safest – ways to shop, dine and support businesses in Old Strathcona.
Order Online
There’s no easier way to support your favourite restaurants, stores and services than to order from the comfort of your home. Almost every restaurant has online ordering options now, whether you want a burger delivered right away or will be picking up some sushi on your afternoon walk. You can even “skip” the usual apps by phoning some restaurants or ordering directly through their website.
Tip: Check to see if the business is offering discounts on pickup orders!
Many stores offer curbside pickup too, so you can shop now and grab your new shoes or books tomorrow! And you’ll also find plenty of gift card options at more businesses than ever before. This is a great way to put some money into businesses right now and get yourself a little something later.
Call Ahead
Most personal and professional service businesses remain open by appointment. That means you can book a haircut, get yourself a massage to help ease work-from-home aches, and even have those important meetings with your lawyer and accountant you’ve been putting off.
You can still workout at a gym if you’re doing one-on-one exercise with a trainer. But remember to book ahead, no drop-ins! And some gyms are offering online workouts and group classes, so you can even get sweaty at home.
Restaurant patios and outdoor dining are still open, but stick to your household at the same table (maximum of six people) or the two people from a household you regularly meet with if you’re single. Please be patient while restaurants are working to get their outdoor patios set up as soon as possible!
Tip: Regardless of the kind of business you’re visiting, check out their website and social media accounts before heading out! Look for business hours, booking, ordering options, and any additional health guidelines that may be in place.
Keep Your Distance
Whether it’s curbside pickup, grabbing take-out or sipping a brew on the patio, you can still support Old Strathcona businesses without spending a lot of time inside. Capacity limits in retail shops also means you won’t risk running into crowds once inside. A perfect time to practice everything we’ve learned about in the last year:
- Wear a mask
- Wash and sanitize your hands
- Keep at least 6-feet of space between yourself and others (indoors and outdoors!)
- X marks the spot. Look out for the markers and directional arrows on sidewalks and floors to keep folks physically-distanced and moving in the same direction
Like, Comment, 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 helps new customers find them!
Be Kind
It’s an incredibly stressful time for many, and that includes the employees you will be speaking with, served by and encountering. Please be patient if they ask you to follow public health guidelines. Be kind to everyone you cross paths with and they’re more likely to repay you with a big bright smize. (That’s smiling with your eyes. Because of the masks.????)
Stay Home
We love when you visit! But if you’re not feeling well, just returned to Alberta, or you’ve recently come into contact with someone who may have COVID-19, please stay home and take care of yourself. As we mentioned above, there are lots of good ways to shop and dine from home and keeping each other safe and healthy is the best way of supporting each other.
Whether online or in person, please keep shopping and eating locally. Businesses are ready to serve you in old ways and new ways, always with the health and safety of our entire community top of mind!