Holiday Guide
The holiday season is an important
one for small businesses every
year, and it fi gures to take on
heightened importance in 2020. The
outbreak of the novel coronavirus
COVID-19 in late 2019 and early 2020
hit small businesses especially hard,
with many being forced to close their
facilities to customers in an effort to
prevent the virus from spreading.
Estimates regarding the effects of
the COVID-19 outbreak on small businesses
varied, but many small business
owners were forced to let go employees
as they confronted steep declines
in revenue. A ZenBusiness survey of
more than 1,000 small business founders,
senior managers and decision
makers found that 37 percent of small
businesses that employ between 11 and
25 people were considering laying off
more than one-fi fth of their workforce.
As small businesses face diffi cult
challenges, it’s no surprise that many
consumers want to support locally
owned small businesses this holiday
season. Such support not only can help
small businesses, but also can help to
revitalize local communities.
• Shop online. Online shopping
has traditionally been dominated by
big box retailers. However, many small
businesses increased their e-commerce
capabilities to generate revenue. Shoppers
concerned about shopping in person
this holiday season should explore
the delivery and curbside pickup options
available at locally owned small
businesses. Even businesses that have
not traditionally been allowed to deliver,
such as breweries and wineries,
have been able to do so during the outbreak,
giving consumers unlimited online
shopping options.
• Purchase gift cards. Gift cards
take the guesswork out of holiday
86 ST. BAY RIDGE B.I.D. Let's Go Shopping!
Business Improvement District
www.86BID.org
“I’M GOING SHOPPING”
86 th Street,
where 162 stores welcome you.
Shop in our many department stores, footwear, restaurants, jewelry,
clothing, law offices, coffee shops, optical centers, furniture, bedding,
medical supplies, drug stores and so much more!
The Strip has been a shopping center for many decades...
...and continues to grow stronger each year.
COURIER L 24 IFE, DEC. 18–24, 2020 M BR B G
As small businesses face diffi cult challenges, it’s no surprise that many consumers want to
support locally owned small businesses this holiday season. Metro Creative Connection
shopping, and such cards are easily
shipped or even emailed to loved ones.
• Share your experience. Wordof
mouth is vital to small businesses
at any time, and can be especially
valuable as these companies try to
overcome the challenges posed by the
COVID-19 outbreak. Holiday shoppers
can share their experiences with local
businesses via social media. Share information
about the lengths local small
businesses have gone to in regard to
safety measures, order fulfi llment and
their delivery and pickup efforts. Such
sharing may compel neighbors and
friends to follow your lead and provide
vital support to local businesses in
need this holiday season.
Small businesses are the backbone
of many communities, and the holiday
season provides a great opportunity to
support such fi rms as they look to recover
from a diffi cult year.
– Metro Creative Connection
How to support
small businesses this
holiday season
Ready! Set!
86th Street Bay, Ridge B.I.D.
Tel: 718-680-2420 • Fax: 718-921-4526 • info@86bid.org
/www.86BID.org
link
/www.86BID.org
link