By Emily Williams
In the words of Disney and Pixar’s forgetful blue tang fish, Dory: just keep swimming. It’s great advice for local businesses, which have quickly adapted to the growing needs of the community during this time of social distancing.
Local chambers of commerce have been highlighting the new offerings at local businesses in their area. Ideas to help socially distance while supporting businesses include buying gift cards from restaurants to use at a later date, ordering from a local delivery service and other measures.
Mountain Brook has started a social media initiative, #curbsideMountainBrook, that highlights businesses that offer curbside service.
At Cresline’s Snoozy’s Kids, the shelves are filled with items.
“We’ve just been to market, we’re all stocked up and we are ready to share it,” said owner George Jones.
The store has always had a curbside pick-up option available for people who maybe don’t want to unload all of their kids from the car. There has also been the option available to have the store’s staff shop for you within a certain budget and for any age groups.
“We just started, on (March 12), Snoozy’s-to-Go, meaning we will deliver for free,” Jones said.
“We have already done several of them – people ordering birthday presents, or because they’re hearing school has just closed and they’re ordering puzzles, games, books, art activities and other things to do to keep the children busy.”
Rebecca Hughes, owner of TriFusion next-door to Snoozy’s Kids in Crestline Village, was Jones’ first Snoozy’s-to-go customer.
“It was on Thursday and we got the news that schools would close,” Hughes said. “I thought, what if we don’t have toys or games or Easter presents? This is just the kind of thing that we need, right now.”
The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce recently released a survey in order to assess the needs of small businesses in their community.
At the Lili Pad in Cahaba Heights, curbside pick-up is being offered, and the store staff is sanitizing every hour. Owner Katherine McRee also noted that the public can shop via FaceTime, as well.
“Someone made a suggestion to clean our free libraries and fill them with food for those in need,” McRee said. The free library outside of the store is filled with children’s books, which McRee feels are desperately needed with schools out. So, a container has been placed next to it to collect non-perishable items, which those in need can pick up – no questions asked.
The trend of local businesses delivering and adapting to the current needs of the community is just what locals need, Hughes said.
Jones said that neighborhood businesses, rather than big online businesses, are helping the elderly pick up their groceries or providing a free meal for children who depend on their school lunches every day.
You typically know who is delivering your items from your local store, he added, and the owners are typically on the premises.
“You all know why you live where you do,” Jones said. “It’s for the convenience and the amenities that Birmingham has to offer. So, use your local folks. Shop with them. Keep them in business and keep them vibrant.”
McRee noted that not all small businesses will make it through this trying time. “It’s scary to think about,” she said. “We need to be here for eachother … even if it’s just a prayer, because we are all in this together.”
In addition to Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook chambers, Homewood and Hoover are also getting the word out about their local businesses adapted offerings or closures. .
For more information, visit your local chamber’s website.
