Tripsavvy.com

TRAVEL TODAY

Shopping

How to Help Small Shops From Around the World Stay Open During the Pandemic

I’ve always put a premium on where I live. I love being in urban environments that are rich with different cultures, activities, transportation options, and small businesses. Pre-pandemic, I lived in Williamsburg, New York, and spent every Sunday walking up and down the street discovering new restaurants I wanted to try or thoughtfully curated shops I never knew existed. But it took me a while to become acquainted with my neighborhood.

Moving to New York from Massachusetts was definitely an adjustment. At first, I was intimidated by the pace of the city and the aggressive reputation New Yorkers hold. But as I spent more time in my new hometown, I realized these stereotypes were false. I formed close relationships with the staff that worked at my local bodega, the bartenders of bars I frequented, and eclectic shop owners. Enriching conversations added personality to my neighborhood and made me feel like a local.

Since moving back to Massachusetts to be with my family during quarantine, I’ve been prioritizing helping the small New York-based businesses that make the city unique. I follow Nicolas Heller on Instagram (@newyorknico), who outlines local businesses that make up the backbone of New York, and donate to their Go Fund Me campaigns for rent relief and other projects whenever possible. I also support my favorite places like Nitehawk Cinema, Furnish Green, MoMa Design Store, Serving New York, Brooklyn Candle Studio, and Brooklyn Winery by buying merchandise and décor. Plus, whenever I look at my new goodies, I travel back in time and reminisce about my experiences there.

I encourage you to support your favorite local businesses, too. Your contributions can help small shops from around the world stay open when their businesses have declined throughout this difficult time.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products and services; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.