CHRISTINE DAVIS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CARLSBAD VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
The next few weeks will be crucial for our local businesses. Before the “stay at home” order went into place, many retailers were able to stay open on a limited basis and provide virtual shopping experiences, private shopping appointments, and even curbside delivery. They were becoming very creative and it was effective. It helped them stay busy, keep some staff employed, all while providing a service to the community. However, with the “stay at home” order in place, Carlsbad Village businesses, doing their part, are not currently open.
As a community, we can come together to give support. National Mainstreet Associations across the country are encouraging the public to keep their downtowns alive by committing to shopping local whenever possible. Every purchase makes a difference. Supporting small businesses is about more than just giving money to the brands and shops we’ve grown to love—it’s about helping out the people who make them possible.
Here are several suggestions:
Don’t Cancel, Reschedule – Rescheduling gives businesses relief in knowing they are not losing business; things are just postponed to a later date. This gives businesses a sense of ease that they can look forward to that future income.
Gift Cards For Future Use – Pay online now and use later. It’s a great way to increase the cash flow to our local businesses.
Order Take-Out – Many restaurants are open and providing full-menu takeout and curbside delivery.
Leave A Big Tip – This will help restaurant staff on a day-by-day basis.
Provide An Online Review – Show some love to your favorite downtown businesses. If you loved them before this crisis, you will love them when it’s over! Let everyone know why and give them a quality review.
Commit To Shopping Local Post Crisis – Connect with your favorite businesses on social media and let them know that you will be there as soon as the crisis is over. Let’s give our small businesses something to look forward to!
Some big box stores and vast internet-based shipping companies have actually benefited from this crisis because they were able to remain open and the demand for their products was high. However, small businesses in our downtown were not able to stay open and realize the same increases. That is why the Carlsbad Village Association (CVA) is asking that, once the “stay at home” order is lifted and we are all able to get back to work, a true commitment is made to shop local. This will help our small businesses to rebuild their staff and get back to doing what they love the most as quickly as possible. We thank you for your support for our small businesses today, tomorrow, and always!