Non-essential business closure does NOT mean you can’t safely purchase goods, even non-essential goods. Consumers and business owners simply have to be open to doing some things differently:
1) Email, call, or message a closed business on social media if it doesn’t appear to have e-commerce capabilities. You may very well be able to purchase over the phone by credit card.
2) Order takeout from a local restaurant as a treat (some of which are also offering groceries), or consider sending a special meal to a loved one, teacher, health care worker or friend who could use a boost.
3) Purchase items for safe curbside pick up from a local retailer or request delivery if available. Consider a bulk order — text or call all your family and friends to see if you can get together to place a large order with a local grocer, jewellery maker, honey producer, butcher, etc.
4) If you can’t afford to spend right now, write a positive review for a favourite retailer, or showcase on social media an unique Manitoba-made item you purchased in the past.
5) Buying holiday gifts? Purchase online from independent boutiques and local artisans (who often make original, one-of-a-kind creations), or if you’re able, think about loading up on gift cards for 2021 celebrations to use down the line. Follow on social media #Shoplocal #buylocal #ShopLocalMB #saveMBrestaurants
