Here's how you can support local businesses during COVID-19 pandemic

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
*************************
The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying economic crisis have forced us to consider how it is that we can help small business as a community.

First and foremost, we ask that you thank those businesses and their staff who are staying open and are working to ensure that you are receiving essential services, the health care you and your loved ones require, the foods needed to feed your family and the daily necessities to maintain a healthy family unit while practicing social distancing.

We are asking everyone to understand that these businesses are under significant stress as they as they deal with keeping supplies on hand and panic buying by some consumers. This is a challenge when supply chains and modes of distribution are also being tested and stretched to their limits.

Right across our city restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, private day cares, fitness centres and other types of businesses are being ordered to close or shift, where possible, to takeout and delivery only, and implement creative ways of keeping their customers connected to the products and services they provide our community. Foot traffic is falling everywhere.

We have all seen the social media posts by small, independent, local and family-owned businesses encouraging people to support them. Some have already temporarily closed their doors ahead of government orders. While we hope these closures will be temporary, we know that in some cases, they might turn out to be permanent.

We hope however that the people of Sault Ste. Marie will do their part to help:

• Engage them online and through social media and see how you can help 
• Ask for free delivery of goods and products
• Purchase gift cards
• Support grassroots events by not requesting a refund when cancelled
• Call ahead for an appointment or to confirm they are open
• Shop by phone
• Order in and use delivery services
• Don’t panic buy to help maintain supplies
• Be thankful

“At the moment, it seems possible that many small businesses may have to close their doors over the next several weeks. While here is much discussion about personal financial liquidity and families able to handle financially the crisis, many Canadian small businesses have cash-flow issues too and effectively live the equivalent of paycheck to paycheck," says Rory Ring, CEO Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.

Sharp declines in consumer demand can easily tip them into the red and, perhaps, failure. While federal and provincial fiscal stimulus for Canadians is not a bad idea, it won’t necessarily prompt everyone to go out and spend money at their local barber or hardware store. Social distancing will undermine demand-side stimulus. Small business challenges will be exacerbated by squeezes on the supply side.

With schools closing, more employees will face serious child care challenges. Many businesses may find it difficult to maintain staffing, even if they manage to remain open.

“Businesses, small, locally owned as well as larger companies and organizations that are located in the Sault, are part of the backbone of the Ontario economy and at the very heart of our community. We are encouraging people to keep in mind support for those who are right next door to you too - that means your local shop or your neighbour” said Carlo Spadafora, President, Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.

*************************