Hunkering down in our homes this week, most of us are also offering care, support and (at a distance,) kindness to neighbors up and down the street. But we can't forget that Issaquah also consists of a diverse business community. Many of them are struggling to cope with current events. But there is a lot we can do to help them survive this challenge. Our creativity and support will spell the difference between our favorite local businesses surviving this pandemic and closing their doors forever.
We all need products and services of every kind. Here are some ways to help Issaquah's businesses:
Buy a Gift Card: Theaters, Restaurants, Home, Kitchen and Garden stores, Butchers, Bakers and Vintners, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Physical Therapy, Licensed Massage Therapists, Florists, Arts and Crafts stores, Kid's play venues, Pet stores and myriad other categories of products or services are available for future use. Businesses appreciate the commitment as a sign of customer loyalty and for the immediate infusion of cash that gift cards provide.
Order Out: Tired of your own cooking? Order food from restaurants that offer curb-side pick up or delivery services. If they have cool swag and other branding merchandise (T-Shirts, Tumblers, etc), buy it!. If the restaurant offers fresh items or baked goods, buy a few and instead, deliver them to the local food bank or to organizations that help people in need - fresh food items can sure augment canned goods!
Shop Online - Locally: Check out the Facebook Page or visit the website of your favorite local business. You may find that many Issaquah stores are offering discounts and are getting creative with their business models. Some stores are "Closed for browsing, but are Open for Business online". Most can ship orders via their website anywhere in the US. Some may even do deliveries to 98027 or 98029 zip codes.
Take a Virtual Class: Sadly, most gyms in town are closed. Many yoga venues are limiting class hours or times. Some gyms and yoga places are offering streaming workouts online that people can join from home.
Consider a Donation: I call it an investment. If your income is not affected by the corona virus pandemic, consider a donation to a local business that could certainly use it!. It doesn’t matter if it’s writing a small check or even cooking a meal for the employees, any sort of assistance could help a business that is trying to figure out how to pay next month's rent and bills .
Don't Forget the Non-Profits: We have some amazing nonprofits and arts, entertainment and music groups that lift our community up and make it a better place. Many of them are either overwhelmed with increased need for their services or are short of revenue due to having to cancel annual fundraisers. Consider a donation to help their efforts.
Be Patient: Businesses are operating at reduced capacity and staffing. Yes, we've all waited in long lines at the cashier, but remember that they are working hard to stay open and serve us.
Offer Thanks: When we go to the store to buy what we (truly) need, be sure to say thanks to the employees who are hard at work there. Many of those employees are working overtime to keep their store clean and full of the items we need. A simple thank you can make a huge difference.
As a community, we are all in this together....not only in our own neighborhoods, but on Gilman Boulevard, on Front and Sunset. On Highlands and Park Drives and along 'East Lake Samm'. To keep you update on business activity during this fluid and ever-changing time, the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce has a great web page that updates changes in local business operations: