By Laramie Mainstreet Alliance
As Wyoming responds with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many local businesses are fearful of the negative economic impact that comes with social distancing. While we are all in this together and recognize that public health is a top priority for all, small businesses in our communities rely heavily on social togetherness and foot traffic to sustain operations and wages.
As a result of these concerns, local businesses are finding creative ways to serve customers.
At the time of this writing, the following businesses are offering either curbside pick up or delivery, and over the phone payments:
Curiosity Shoppe, 206 Second Street
Dodd’s Shoe Co., 401 S. Second Street
Laramie Basecamp, 220 S. Second Street
Poppy’s, 119 E Grand Avenue
Steam Vapour Co, 210 E Grand Avenue
Sweet Pickles, 117 E Ivinson Avenue
The Wild Rose, 502 E Grand Avenue
Altitudes Chophouse & Brewery, 320 S 2nd St
Cavalryman Steakhouse, 4425 S 3rd St
More businesses are expected to add these services. Be sure to call your favorite retailer, restaurant, or service provider to inquire about their options.
What can you, as a consumer, do to support local?
In an effort to support downtown Laramie’s entrepreneurial ecosystem at this time, which is made up of more than 280 businesses supporting almost 4,000 local jobs, here are a few ideas of how you, the consumer, can support local from the comfort of your home:
👉 Buy A Gift Card: Purchase a gift card or certificate now and cash in on it later! This helps small businesses keep money flowin’ through the next 1-2 months and gives consumers a great reason to be local when it’s finally time to gather collectively again.
👉 Shop Online or Over the Phone: See something you like on Facebook or Instagram? Call and order over the phone or take advantage of the local businesses with e-commerce via websites. Order from your favorite restaurants and retailers online – have food delivered to your office or items shipped to your home. Many local businesses also have the option to pick up at the door or curb.
👉 Leave A Review: Can’t drop the cash now but still want to make sure your favorite local businesses are feelin’ the love? Leave a review online and make sure others know just how much our small businesses mean to our community.
👉 Promote Social Media: Like, comment, and share posts from local small businesses. Help them increase their social media engagement so the next time they promote an event or new menu item or special sale, more folks can see it!
👉 Subscribe: Be the first to know about special tickets on sale, new events, in-store specials, and news from your favorite local businesses by subscribing to their e-newsletter. Help them grow their following by sharing it with your friends and colleagues.
When you shop and dine local, even remotely, you invest local. One of the best ways to build a vibrant Laramie, in spite of economic and social concerns, is to support the growth of our small, locally owned businesses.
For updates on how downtown businesses are innovating in response to the coronavirus, visit www.laramiemainstreet.org or follow us on Facebook under “Downtown Laramie”.
Additional resources for community organizations, businesses, and event planners can be found on the National Main Street’s website:
https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/resourcecenter/covid19resources