We’ve all helped restaurants during COVID, but what about other Charlotte businesses?
We know how to support restaurants with takeout and delivery and how to support retail shops with online ordering, but how do we support our other small businesses during COVID-19? It’s not as easy for some, like the hair salon you go to every other month or the dog walking service you don’t need right now since you’re at home.
Small businesses in Charlotte are putting up a fight to remain up and running amid the coronavirus pandemic. From gift cards to gift baskets to other creative take-home efforts, places all over the city have created ways the community can still benefit from their services while supporting them so they can remain open.
There are so many local businesses that need help that we couldn’t possibly list them all. So in addition to this list, think about your favorite pre-coronavirus go-to spots and check in with them individually to see how you can help. Here are a few examples for inspiration:
(1) Front Porch Sundays
Front Porch Sundays, which take place on the first Sunday of the month April-December, is a gathering of food trucks, mobile shops and live musicians at Sycamore Brewing. Since the events are currently on hold due to COVID-19, organizers have created curated boxes filled with products from local vendors called Market in a Box. From self-care to school is canceled boxes to cozy kits, these boxes are great ways to treat yourself or others while supporting a variety of local businesses.
(2) Grow Charlotte
Looking for ways to make your house feel homier during quarantine? Grow Charlotte is now offering contactless delivery for your plant needs to brighten up your space. Head to Grow’s Instagram to find out how to place your order.
(3) Inner Peaks
2220 S. Tryon St., and 10715 Independence Pointe Pkwy.
Inner Peaks is a locally owned rock climbing gym in Charlotte that recently opened a new state-of-the-art location in Matthews. While all operations are currently closed, Inner Peaks has partnered with the brand So iLL to benefit the community and generate revenue since rock climbing cannot be replicated at home. Gift cards are also available for purchase for those who want to try out rock climbing once quarantine is lifted.
(3) Puptown Charlotte
8702 Statesville Road, Suite A
Puptown Charlotte, a locally owned dog daycare and overnight facility, has recently reopened its boarding side of the business. If you are in need of a break from your furry friend following you around the house all day, send an email to puptowncharlotte@yahoo.com with your reservation dates and drop-off time.
(4) Queen City Pet Sitting
7418 Edenbridge Lane
Queen City Pet Sitting is offering dog walking for essential workers and the elderly during COVID-19. It is offering routine walks or quick bathroom breaks for pets to ensure they stay well cared for. Queen City Pet Sitting is also providing transportation services for your animal for essential vet appointments and visits.
(5) The Room
1332 Harding Place
The Room, a locally owned wax and beauty studio in Dilworth, has been posting daily product deals on Instagram for doorstep delivery. The Room is also allowing customers to pre-pay for their next services to receive a credit added to their accounts once the studio reopens.
(6) Salon Zen
10960 Winds Crossing Drive, Suite 200
Salon Zen, a multicultural hair salon in the Steele Creek area, has created an at-home “mane-tenance” product package available for purchase — so people can maintain their hair while they are unable to go to the salon. Salon Zen is also offering online consultations so customers understand how to best use their products.
(7) The Skin Suite
1600 E. Woodlawn Road, Suite 360
The Skin Suite is a small, locally owned business in Madison Park that specializes in hydrafacials, microneedling, chemical peels and more. Right now, clients can place orders for delivery online through the business’ website or order from the special Skinceuticals link to support The Skin Suite. Now, clients can receive 10% off on gift certificates for their future appointments.
(8) Therapy Hair Salon & Spa
304 E. Worthington Ave.
Therapy Hair Salon & Spa is selling styling products for customers looking to maintain their hair during quarantine. To order, customers can call the salon on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and noon to place an order. The salon is also accepting appointments starting in May.
Don’t forget about gift cards
Additionally, businesses all over Charlotte are encouraging the community to purchase gift cards while their services are on hold. Find out if your local hair salon, pet spa or gym is offering ways you can help keep their business afloat until doors open again.
In addition to those above, a few shops that are offering gift cards include:
• Attitudes A Salon
• Healing Touch Charlotte, Inc.
• Massage Works Charlotte
• Mimosa Nail Bar
This story was originally published April 21, 2020 at 3:03 PM.
