BY: Hannah Long
Imagine starting your own business and spending your hard earned money to make it perfect. Then, a pandemic hits, causing you to have to shut your store down. Thousands of small businesses have had to close permanently because they cannot afford to stay open.
According to wsfa.com, “Small businesses account for 99.4% of all businesses in Alabama.” This is a struggle for not only business owners but also their employees. As a result of these small businesses closing many owners had to lay off their employees.
Small business owners had to get creative when they realized opening up completely would not be an option for a while. Many stores started “curbside pickup” where people could order over the phone or online and drive up to that store to receive their order. Whether it was a clothing store, cosmetic stores or restaurant, many of them relied on curbside service.
These owners had to act quickly to keep their businesses afloat. Thankfully, since everyone was impacted by this pandemic, it brought a lot of people together to want to help those in need.
When driving around Montgomery, Ala. you can see the line of cars outside of these small businesses getting their curbside pickup. It is amazing to see the love and support these businesses are receiving, especially during these uncertain times.
The last Saturday of each November is “Small Business Saturday,” On this day, people shop at small businesses to show their support. This day will have a whole new meaning because of this pandemic.
While chain businesses need love, too, small businesses need more right now to stay running. You can show your love by shopping small in your city or those around you. Any and every bit of help counts.
Here are some small businesses in Montgomery:
- Vintage Café is a beautiful café with coffee, pastries, alcoholic beverages and so much more.
- Café Louisa – This is another beautiful café located right down the road from Vintage. Attached to this café is a pizza parlor if you are more interested in pizza than coffee.
- Welle Studio is close to Vintage Café and Café Louisa. This boutique is stunning and has so many clothing items for anyone and any occasion