CORONAVIRUS: HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT LOCAL Bath BUSINESSES?

As we are all being urged to stay at home due to the Coronavirus pandemic, such social-distancing measures are devastating for local businesses.

And whilst it is difficult, there are ways in which YOU can support your favourite local businesses. Here’s the Total Guide how to.

1) Shop online and offline

Many businesses have switched to online ordering. Many also have contact-free delivery keeping everyone safe. Or if you're well and have no symptoms support your local stores who are more than likely to have the goods that the supermarkets are running out of. Please acknowledge the safe distancing measures they more than likely will have put in place and allow extra time as the shops are limiting numbers allowed in at any one time – this is for your well being so please be patient.

2) Buy a gift card

Buying a gift card immediately puts cash in the till helping that business to keep going. It is also a great way to show the business owner how much you appreciate their hard work and a fabulous gesture of customer loyalty at such an uncertain time. Bath BID offers a fantastic gift card that can be redeemed at a wide range of participating retailers, hotels, restaurants, and leisure and entertainment venues, check it out HERE!

3) Order takeaway food or drink

It's worth checking that your favourite business may now have a takeaway or delivery service choice. If you’re working and fancy a night off from cooking then you can support cafes, restaurants and bars. It's worth checking Deliveroo and Uber Eats too as they may be listed here although this may squeeze the independents further so maybe go direct and see what works for them best. Or contact them and ask them to deliver a meal or the ingredients; you might be the person that gives them the confidence and push to do so! And try and pay over the phone and ask for a contact free delivery. Check out all the delicious takeaways and food suppliers in Bath HERE!

4) Leave good reviews

And if you are financially unable to support local businesses there are other ways, like leaving a great social media or online review. Or reach out with some positivity across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, it's sure to boost their flagging energy reserves and help them keep going.

5) Avoid refunds

For now….whilst some events might be cancelled and not postponed if you can put off the refund request until they’ve had time to explore other options this could be a lifeline to small businesses.

6) Take Part in an Online Class

Many businesses are now streaming live classes, workshops or how to sessions, so that even if you are self-isolating you can also join in and is an excellent way to see friends, make new ones together whilst supporting local businesses. Check out some cool online classes HERE!