How to Support Local Coffee Shops During the COVID-19 ERA of Social Distancing

How to Support Local Coffee Shops During the COVID-19 ERA of Social Distancing

Many people, families, and organizations have been affected by the COVID-19 epidemic throughout the world. It has also put many of our local companies, which are extremely important and unique to our communities, in a tough position. Some firms have been forced to close temporarily, while others have had to scale back or entirely restructure their operations. While it's easy to feel helpless in a situation like this, there are a few things we can do to help our local companies.

Impacts of COVID on Coffee Shops

Coffee shops and roasters have been severely impacted by the chaotic world we live in right now, with small and medium businesses being the worst hit. Here's how shoppers may support their local roasters while still adhering to safety guidelines.

I'm not sure how many days we've been socially isolating and remaining at home. I miss my neighborhood coffee shop, but in the midst of everything, I've discovered a few methods to support my local coffee roasters and coffee shops at this time, which I'd like to share with you.

Instead of asking, "Why do we need another one of those "indie cafés," ask, "Why do we need another one of those "indie cafes?" We should regard it as an opportunity to bring some variety to our hometowns, as well as a positive indicator of economic and community development. Here are several reasons why you should support local coffee businesses, whether you consider yourself a coffee expert or simply appreciate a good cup of joe.

Importance of Independent Coffee Shops

Our city's streets are dominated by the mainstream coffee shop behemoths. Within a one-mile radius, you must have seen their repetitive storefront sign at least eight times before you luckily come across something a bit more interesting. Are you not little relieved whenever you spot an independent coffee shop among the barrage of windows promoting the 'new' Super Berry Cooler and Grande Pumpkin spiced latte as you're walking through town? It's pleasant to find oneself sipping a smooth cappuccino, enjoying a more laid-back environment while seated in a cushioned-covered recliner, without having repetitious sales techniques thrown in your face, whether these stores are quirky and colorful or suggest a more industrial-esque simplicity.

You may go to a chain coffee shop anywhere, at any time, but during your lunch break, that small café at the end of the road will have you longing for their caramel house blend and home-made lemon drizzle cake. We must recognize the unique flavor that small businesses provide to our communities. These locations are genuinely unique, and if we truly want to enhance our communities, we must preserve their uniqueness by supporting our local businesses and what they have to offer. Independent coffee shops are enthusiastic about enhancing our communities, where they were founded by our fellow citizens, while mainstream coffee shops are exclusively focused on pushing their brand ahead and taking over our towns and cities.

Reasons for Supporting local coffee shops

Supporting local coffee shops and cafes immediately benefits your local economy, which is one of the more obvious reasons to do so. Buying from a small business has a significantly bigger influence on them as a firm than buying a latte from a chain rival. Your £4 purchase may seem insignificant to them, but it helps small companies ensure their revenue and therefore their future by assisting their stability and growth within the sector. The prosperity of the local economy is boosted by the addition of another successful small firm.

Furthermore, supporting local frequently means supporting many small businesses. Independent companies, particularly those in the service industry such as coffee shops and cafés, are significantly more likely to form mutually beneficial partnerships with other businesses in the same community. As a result, in a domino effect, it generates a beneficial and equal distribution of money across the community.

Local coffee businesses are a good investment.

Popular companies will always charge more for anything if they can, and the bulk of the general public is willing to pay since they are unaware that there are better choices available. It's the 'familiarity' factor: when a brand is well-known, consumers feel more at ease and likely to buy from them, and cafés are no different. No one blinks when a medium cappuccino to go costs nearly £5, but god forbid a tiny coffee shop charges £3.80 to relax in their warm, inviting sofa area and sip a well made americano with thick, oat milk. This leads us to believe that price does not always imply quality.

During COVID, here are some ideas for supporting local coffee roasters and coffee shops.

1st, purchase subscription boxes!

You are assisting local roasters in selling their specialty coffees and keeping their companies afloat by purchasing a Subscription Coffee Box.

Because many businesses are now closed as a result of the current situation, numerous coffee roasters may suffer a loss of business.

If these coffee roasters go out of business, green bean importers and exporters may suffer as well, resulting in coffee farmers not being paid in the end.

#2 Think about buying gift cards and coffee packs.

I've been supporting my neighborhood coffee business by purchasing gift cards for future usage and buying coffee on the go. I don't get to walk into the shop; instead, I contact them on Facebook and tell them I'd want to buy some coffee beans. They prepare my purchase and take my credit card information over the phone.

When I'm ready to pick it up, I just phone and they'll bring it straight out to my car. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

#3 Coffee is a great way to pay it forward.

Another trend I'm seeing on social media right now is individuals buying coffee from local roasters and giving it as a gift to others.

This is a fantastic method to spread the word about the movement while also supporting your local roasters.

Simple improvements might help firms increase cash flow, retain staff on payroll, or simply feel more connected and enhance morale.