Supporting our local independent businesses

 

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, every passing day has become slightly more surreal. Offices are closed, events are cancelled, and public spaces - including restaurants, shops, cinemas and gyms, are standing empty. 


The impact this pandemic will have on independent Berkshire businesses is still difficult to measure, but we do know it will be significant. 


As we settle into new routines we’re all looking for ways to stay connected, and calm. 


Quarters is an independent business, owned and run by local home owners for local home-movers, and we’ve been adapting our own spending habits to support other independent businesses in our home town.


If you’re a small business owner yourself - considering your future and the future of your business, do get in touch.  We’d love to talk. 


If you’re a local resident and would like to help the businesses you love and miss while doing your part to social distance there is a way to help. More than one, in fact.

 

Spread the word!

Independent businesses are using social media to alert customers to creative changes they’ve made — whether it’s additional collection & delivery options, moving to online services, or discounts. 


Wokingham Décor, our independent hardware store, recently posted about their ‘collection to car window’ service for all of those people (us included!) who are working through the list of home improvements jobs during lockdown.


Most independent businesses don’t have large marketing budgets, and by sharing their social media updates, you can help to spread the word.  Keep checking back for updates, then like, share and repost to your own networks. 

 

Order takeaway or delivery or buy gift cards (if you can)

Treating yourself to a tasty takeaway isn’t just a treat, it helps the owners of your favourite restaurant to manage their business through this period.  The restaurant industry in particular is suffering, and support from customers now can make all the difference. 


Local restaurants, including The Tamarind Tree, remain open for takeaway and are offering a discount on orders over a certain value. 

Remember to explore options for contactless collection or delivery, and tip if you can. 


In the practice of staying at home and social distancing, you can also buy gift cards that allow Independent business owners to put money toward their ongoing costs, like those from The Retreat in Denmark Street and you can book services in advance from local companies like Max Carpets, allowing you to enjoy services or products when the lockdown is lifted. 


If you’re an Independent business owner and are offering alternative online, collection or delivery options or discounts then let us know and we’ll happily share with our community.

 

Take online classes

For people who are quarantined but healthy, exercise is crucial to keep your immune system strong and your stress levels in check. It’s also another strategy to support the companies that are finding new ways to keep us moving while staying apart. With gyms closed, fitness enthusiasts are turning to online classes and embracing the idea of at-home workouts.


SAB Fitness, a new gym in central Wokingham, are offering their community daily online fitness classes to help to maintain fitness levels while they can’t physically visit the gym.

 

Shop small

While a number of large chains will be eligible for government bailouts, it’s the small independent businesses that truly need your custom.


Regulars for us are Fletchers Green Grocers who have their 'Our shop to your car' initiative, Vitality Health Foods in central Wokingham and of course Wokingham Market - they also may not be getting cleared out quite as quickly as some of the large shops so you may find what you’re looking for which isn’t available in your supermarket.  


Additional resources to share with your community

Our friends at The Wokingham Paper have a dedicated Coronavirus page on their website with the latest news, updates and resources (speaking to their Editor, it’s an ongoing task to keep this resource updated so it’s worth checking back for the latest).


We hope this helps and that you’ll join us in helping our local independent businesses to not only survive this challenging period, but to thrive when we come out on the other side.

 

Stay healthy everyone – Nick & Teresa

 

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