Supporting Local Businesses In A Time Of Social Distancing
Fears over the COVID-19 virus have had a noticeable effect on North Loop businesses. While many restaurants are posting messages online about their commitment to cleanliness and safety, they’re still drawing smaller crowds than usual.
CDC guidelines recommend keeping a safe distance from others who may be infected, so many people who might otherwise go to a restaurant or shop are staying home as a precaution.
One North Loop resident, Bridget Nyland, is trying to help her favorite local businesses while also allowing people to keep their distance from others.
She’s been researching which of them offer gift cards, online sales and deliveries, which would allow them to still bring in revenue during this period with less human contact. She’s been compiling this spreadsheet, which she encourages people to check out, add to, and amend in a crowd-sourcing way.
“Feeling very privileged to have a salary and a work from home-able job,” wrote Nyland in a Facebook post, “I did the only thing I know how to do in a crisis – built a spreadsheet.”
DRG Real Estate posted its own list of local businesses selling gift cards online.
By Mike Binkley, North Loop Neighborhood Association
