Just as we have all had to pivot our lives, so have many of our favorite local businesses. Stores, restaurants, gathering places and cafes that have been a pillar of our communities have had to quickly shift the way that they do business, offering new and safe ways to access their products or services. Below, we’ve listed some ways local businesses have pivoted during this time, plus how you can easily support them while maintaining social distance.
Shop Local: Many retailers are offering alternative ways to shop by taking phone orders and even offering shopping services via FaceTime. The children’s store, All Together Now is offering curbside pick-up and delivery (orders have to be a minimum of $50 for delivery). You can also call or FaceTime them to shop the store.
For books, you can support local bookseller Little Joe’s Booksellers who are taking orders for food, candy and refrigerator items, books, and toys over the phone or online. Their new online platform also features personal selections from the staff where you can feel like you are connected to them from afar. You can also order books, kids’ activities, puzzles, and more from Scattered Books who are also taking orders over the phone or online.
For wellness products, you can order from KAHLO, who is also offering curbside pick-ups and free delivery throughout Westchester. For CBD and wellness products, you can purchase online via The Pharm Stand’s website.
If your child is celebrating a birthday, you can order Pottery to Go Kits from A Maze in Pottery. You simply order the kits, and they drop them off at your house. After your child finishes painting them, they pick up the pottery for glazing and firing.
Make a Donation: You can also support local organizations by donating. Support families in need by donating Feeding Westchester or the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry. Donate diapers to those in need via (914) Cares. They are especially in need of sizes 4, 5, and 6.
Order Delivery and/or Pick-Up: We have all been amping up the cooking, and while having consistent home-cooked meals are great, it does get exhausting! Give yourself a break by ordering delivery or pick-up from one of your local restaurants. Many are offering additional deals (20% off purchases and the ability to buy wine, etc.) that can sweeten the deal. Some have even pivoted their offerings such as Exit 4 Food Hall who has converted the restaurant to a mini shop for meats and dry goods (as well a limited menu) or dinner specials such as at Stone Fire where you can get a dinner for a family of 4-6 for $50.
You can also order wine for curbside pick-up or delivery. Unwined Wine Bar and Kitchen is offering 50% off bottles of wine, while Armonk Wines is offering curbside pick-up, delivery, and phone-in orders. Leonard Park Wines is also offering curbside pick-up and delivery for orders with a $100 minimum. For beer, you can order a selection of crafts beers and/or a gift card from BeerNoggin.
Take an Online Class: To supplement your child’s homeschooling, you can also enjoy a virtual class from a local business. The Jacob Burns Film Center is offering access to their movies and programming via their JBFC at Home program. Mount Kisco House of Music is offering virtual music lessons, while the Katonah Art Center is offering virtual art lessons. For a connection to the arts, you can enjoy the online programming from the Hudson River Museum.
For support, emotionally or spiritually, you can consult and mediate with The Well Center.
New parents can meet virtually with birthing and sleep consultants such as Dream Baby Sleep, Eat Sleep Dream Love, Well Rested Baby, and Westchester Birth and Parenting.
Stay Fit: With the gyms closed, you can still stay fit by taking an online class. For barre, you can take daily classes via Pure Barre (Mount Kisco), Pilates from Club Pilates, or Yoga from Lotus on Main, to name a few options. For a serious sweat session, take an online class from Westchester Boxing Club, The Saw Mill Club, Orangetheory, Downstate CrossFit, The Fit Inn, or The Grit Ninja.
Support Local Libraries: One of the hardest things to lose is our local library. Many have shifted their programming to offer storytimes online, free crafts, and free books to be enjoyed until they open their doors again. You can also make a donation to support your local library during this time.
Purchase Gift Cards: If you don’t necessarily need anything right now, you can also support local businesses by purchasing gift cards for future in-store and/or online purchases.
Support on Social Media: If you can’t financially support a small business, you can also help them on social media. Share posts spread the word on FaceTime or Instagram, or simply commenting is a great way to show that you care.
