6 Inspired Local Ideas for Continuing Business During Social Distancing
As we are all thinking about ways to adjust to our “new normal” and adapt our businesses, we have been impressed by some of the creative ways local businesses have embraced the challenge. Here are a few Charlottesville establishments that have inspired us with their innovation by creating new offers, utilizing their social media platforms in new ways, and implementing new systems in order to be able to continue operating. Perhaps they can help you brainstorm ideas for your own business. At the very least, we hope they serve as a positive reminder that ingenuity can come from adversity and that sometimes, it helps to think outside of the box.
Circa: While this antique shop is closed to the general public for the time being, it is letting customers shop from its Instagram/Facebook posts and stories, pay over the phone, and choose between having items delivered curbside or picked up from the store. Circa’s social stories feature photos of different parts of the store with prices tagged on each item, making it easy for potential customers to see what is available and how much it costs. The shop also debuted a “Mystery Grab Bag” option a few days ago, where customers send Circa their budget and a few words about their style and Circa puts together and delivers a surprise selection.
Darling Boutique: Though customers cannot currently browse the boutique’s selections in person, they can set up a video call for virtual shopping – a great way to see the store’s selection while practicing social distancing. The boutique is also letting customers shop items they like from social posts through DMs, emails and phone calls with the options to pick up the items curbside or have them mailed for free if they meet the $50 minimum. Through Instagram and Facebook stories, Darling Boutique is inspiring customers by posting outfit ideas with all the details about the wares and prices, as well as restock updates.
King Family Vineyards: While the tasting room at the winery is closed, wine lovers can still stop by for to-go orders. King Family is also offering free delivery for locals purchasing 3 or more bottles and free shipping on all orders of 6 or more bottles. The vineyard is also hosting a virtual tasting on Facebook Live in April, allowing fellow wine enthusiasts to interact while staying in their own homes. Customers will be able to purchase the tasting selections ahead of time and then follow along and ask questions about the wines during the event.
MarieBette Café and Bakery: The café has now switched to offering take out from both of its locations, as well as online ordering and delivery from its Downtown location. The café launched kitchen, pastry, bread, and cake take out menus; an on-line ordering system; and, a delivery system in response to all the recent developments, making it easier for customers to continue to safely enjoy their delicious food and beverages. Customers can easily navigate to these additions through a helpful popup at the top of MarieBette’s webpage and through the bio links on their Instagram pages.
New Dominion Bookshop: This shop’s physical doors are closed for the time being, but the shop is allowing customers to call or email in book orders and is offering a curbside pickup option, as well as free delivery to those who live in Charlottesville or Albemarle. Customers can schedule personal shopping experiences over the phone and see some of the books available through the shop’s social posts. In addition, the shop has created book care packages, where customers can set a budget and theme, and the bookstore will curate a selection that can be sent to friends or family who are isolating at home.
Santosha Crozet: This yoga studio is now offering live classes on Zoom at a discounted rate for non-members (this service is free for members). Participants can easily enjoy a variety of different classes throughout the day while practicing social distancing. Santosha is also letting customers shop their wares on Facebook and Instagram through direct messages and then have their purchases delivered if they live in Charlottesville.
Have you seen other examples of local companies being innovative during this challenging time? Send them to us! We’ll compile a list! If you are looking for more insight on how to use your social media and website to address COVID-19’s impacts on your business and industry, check out this recent blog post. You can also find tips for putting together a PR response plan here.
