By Chip
When I reflect on the relationship that I have with local businesses that I love, frankly, it is mostly one-sided. When I want a great meal, or need a last minute gift, when I want to peruse the shelves looking for a good book, when I need advice on a home project, these businesses
are always there for me. When the non-profit I volunteer for needs a donation, or a school sports team needs a sponsor, I know where to turn.
The next few months will have an impact on Boulder’s culture that will last for years. It could be devastating, or it could be positive. The good news is that each of us has a determinate role in the outcome.
“We’ll get through it together” is an inspiring message that makes for a great banner, or a thoughtful note. But it can be more than that. It can be a true call to action. Similarly, “Support Local” can’t be merely something we say, but it should be an intentional habit.
Downtown Boulder is remarkably fortunate in that 81% of our retail shops are locally owned. Downtown restaurants come in at an even higher rate at 96% local. These businesses not only provide a livelihood for thousands of our neighbors, they make up a significant part of our local economy.
These businesses do not have the backing of big corporate balance sheets, or of high powered lobbyists who make sure they are supported. What these businesses have is us.
This is not a column on why it’s important to support local businesses, or a sermon on how much more money stays in the economy when you do. You already understand that. This is a challenge; a request to translate these community values into deliberate and ongoing actions.
I offer a few specific ideas and I invite you to consider developing a plan of action for how you might support your favorite local businesses (in many cases without having to leave your house).
1. Try to shop local – not just sometimes, every chance you get. It feels good to support the place where you know the owner, or that new place that just opened and you want to see them make it.
But sometimes when you just need to get that specific product and you know you can order it online and have it delivered in a day or two, think about adding the word “Boulder” to your online search. You might be surprised to find that you can get what you’re looking for not that far from home and pick it up today. Many places may even deliver.
2. Keep restaurants in your meal planning, if you can. Consider ordering takeout on a regular basis. Keep supporting your favorite places, and maybe try something new.
What about organizing a Zoom dinner party with friends? In most cases, you can save the businesses quite a bit of money if you order for pickup rather than delivery. If pickup doesn’t work for you, consider using Nosh Boulder.
Through the Restaurant S.O.S. initiative, the City of Boulder is covering the city’s subsidized delivery system, restaurants’ portion of delivery fees through Dec. 30. (boulder.noshdelivery.co)
3. Be creative in gift giving and gift receiving. Here’s an idea for friends and relatives who insist on giving gifts even when you’ve politely declined. (You’ve even tried to have them donate to a charity in your name instead, but they still want to buy you something.)
This year, for the good of your community, let them get you a gift. There are many wish list websites where you can post great gift ideas from your favorite local stores for you and your family. You could invite your gift giving friends and family to set up their own wish lists supporting the local businesses in their community.
Think about the businesses who have been there for us. If they are going to be there for us in the future, this is the time we need to be there for them. Not everyone is in a position to help at the same level, but If everyone does what they can, we will in fact “get through this together.”
Chip is the chief executive officer of the Downtown Boulder Partnership. Visit lovethelocal.com to learn more about how to support our local businesses.
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December 21, 2020 at 06:06AM
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Guest opinion: Chip: Support local businesses during pandemic - Boulder Daily Camera
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