ALMetro360

Local Retailers: The Heart of Your Community Staff Report “R ETAIL TOUCHES EVERY ASPECT OF DAILY LIVING – IT ’ S WHERE YOU BUY YOUR FOOD , YOUR MEDICINE , YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIES AND HOUSEWARES , YOUR GARDEN NEEDS , YOUR HOBBY AND PASTIME NEEDS AND THOSE EXTRA PURCHASES THAT BRING YOU JOY .” — N ANCY D ENNIS , D IRECTOR OF P UBLIC R ELATIONS FOR THE A LABAMA R ETAIL A SSOCIATION . ancy Dennis, of the Alabama Retail Associa- tion reminds us why it’s important for us to support our local retailers, “Your local retailers create a sense of place. They are also your neighbors and your community leaders.” The President of the Alabama Retail Association, Rick Brown, concurs, “Local retailers and restaurants are what make your com- munity special. They are what differentiates one community from another. It is important that we rally around them.” “In the wake of the current health crisis,” Ms. Dennis continues, “retailers are doing what they’ve always done: providing customer service in the ways their customers want to be served. Consumers want to be able to call, text, email, FaceTime, browse on websites, social media channels and in store. Plus, they want to be able to pick up or have their purchases delivered. Most retailers have al- ready stepped up their online presence and their social media apps and platforms. They’ve converted to contactless curbside service without hesitation. Some even moved to a by-appointment only model. Now that they can open their doors in limited ways, many will continue to do business in the ways that make their customers feel safe.” “Downtown Opelika businesses have of course been hit finan- cially by the COVID-19 outbreak,” says Ken Ward, Opelika Main Street Executive Director, “but have worked to create innovative ways to keep cash registers full. Opelika Main Street stepped in by opening up billboard space to local businesses, providing signs/marketing materials and launching a 'Shop Small Safely' marketing campaign. Things local businesses have done such as free local delivery, curbside pickup and offering take home meal kits have helped many businesses stay afloat during this time.” “As we begin the process of reopening,” continues Mr. Ward, “we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors back to our his- toric and vibrant downtown. Our businesses are taking the neces- sary steps to ensure the health and safety of all guests and work- ers." Auburn Chamber of Commerce Communication Specialist, Payton Beck, gives helpful insight as to the new ease of shopping local: “It is important to realize online shopping isn’t just for the big box stores anymore. Most of our local small businesses have a website that customers can order from and then have their orders delivered straight to their doorstep. We’ve seen many of these busi- nesses offer free shipping during this time. Again, if a business doesn’t have a website, they have the free tools of social media to be able to sell their products and reach people they may never reach normally.” Ms. Beck also applauds the creativity, resiliency and generosity 40 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com ........................................................................................................................................ b OF ALAB eat AMA ETH "We want to see our local businesses through these unprecedented times, so we can all get back the Auburn we know and love.” — Payton Beck, Com- munications Specialist, Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Auburn Chamber of Commerce N