In the spirit of the month of love, we want to show our small businesses that we care. With reduced business because of the pandemic, constantly changing regulations, and cold weather, it’s more important than ever to give support to local shops and to each other. As a part of the city-wide “Small Business Sweetie” campaign, below are a few simple ways to love your local, and be a #SmallBusinessSweetie. Additionally, look at our How-To Valentine’s Day on Grand Street guide to make your holiday extra special. Let’s continue to spread love to our businesses and community!
Customer review for Chongkho Thai restaurant on Grand Street
Write a positive review Reviews are the gateways into a small business. They are usually the first things people check out when making a choice about where to eat, drink, purchase necessities, and recieve services. If you have a favorite business or have a good experience somehwhere, make sure to leave a positive review! It will help to bring in more customers and is an easy and free way to show that you care.
Spread the word! Let your friends and family know about the businesses you love most! Recommendations are one of the best ways to encourage others to patron new places.
Tagged post of Taco Edition, showing some love for their food.
Call direct for delivery Delivery services and apps often take a cut of the profit and charge extra fees for businesses to deliver. Try calling the restaurant directly when placing a takeout or pickup order, to ensure they are recieving 100% of your purchase. Of course there are expections, so you can also check in before you order to make sure that calling direct is an option.
Give a shoutout on social media In a primarly remote world, social media has become an integral way to communicate with, and market small businesses. Make sure to tag small businesses in your posts, pin their location, and use their hashtags to spread the word through social media. Go out of your way to create a post or story if you have a good experience!
Sign up for newsletters If a business you like has a newsletter or email list, be sure to sign up! This way you will be updated on any speacials, deals, or events they may be promoting. It's a great way to help local shops expand their network.
Buy a giftcard Purchase a giftcard to spread love to your community! This will help support businesses and will also make someone you love happy. Check out our Guide to Gifting on Grand Street for a full list of gifting ideas and links.
Keep shopping local Keep resisting the urge to shop online with coporate retailers and servicers! Check out the businesses in your neighborhood for all your needs. Many now have e-commerce options if you do not have the time or ability to go in person.
Takeout Tuesdays! Brookyn Donates has been promoting "Takeout Tuesday", which encourages those who are able, to order out every Tuesday (or one day each week!) Check out their featured restaurants as well as our business directory to try new places and support restaurants!
A couple Grand Street residents sharing info about local businesses!