A few tips on how you can keep supporting local independents and creatives during these difficult times.
Shop locally – online and offline
While people are stuck indoors, it’s inevitable that many will be turning to online retail therapy to help kill boredom and minimise contact with the outside world. But instead of going to your big-hitters like Amazon and ASOS for new threads, see what your favourite local stores are offering. Freshmans, RAG Vintage, Vulgar, and Syd & Mallory are all operating online stores via their respective social media feeds so you can get that quarantine lewk on-point.
When it comes to food and drink shopping, also spare a thought for your local grocer or butchers if they’ve remained open during the crisis. When it comes to the going out to grab essentials, heed the correct social distancing advice and pay them a visit. Check to see if your favourite local brewery are doing deliveries – some bars such as Two Thirds can also get beers out to you – or contact a local off-licence like Turner’s on Abbeydale Road to see what they’ve got in.
For a comprehensive selection of Sheffield independents providing a delivery service, from convenience stores to vape shops to curry houses, download the CityGrab app and do your bit to support local business.
Gift cards/vouchers
Many of your favourite local bars/cafe/restaurants/beauty salons etc could be offering vouchers for you to purchase today and redeem once the current measures are lifted. See it as merely postponing the nice meal or drink with pals you would’ve otherwise enjoyed this month. If there’s a particular business you want to show you support to, simply drop them a message and see how you can help!
On this note, if there is an event you’ve booked with an independent business that has to be cancelled, see if this can be postponed rather than refunded. Cashflow is going to be extremely tight for some time and these sort of actions can help keep small businesses afloat.
Share away
Many businesses will be relying on online sales more than ever before and you can help them reach wider audiences by sharing their updates on your social media pages. Turn your feed into a little haven for Sheff independents and spread the word! Every little helps these days and it’s important to keep the positive vibes alive. Of course, this is also where your friendly neighbourhood Exposed Magazine comes in – so if there’s anything we can help to promote, get in touch via our socials or email joe@exposedmagazine.co.uk.
Stream on
Some companies will be making the transition to online and streaming their events and services from now on. For example, R1SE Yoga and Hot Yoga Sheffield are hosting online classes, and a number of local gyms and instructors have announced online classes. Check out fsrpersonaltraining.co.uk for an introductory 28-day free trial.
Support your creatives!
Buy a print from that artist you’ve always liked, download an album or buy some merch from that band who you were going to see this month, maybe put a playlist together to share with pals featuring your favourite local acts? Use the quarantine period to promote Steel City talent in any way possible. Remember that together we’re stronger and as a huge community we can see this through!
Pssst. Fancy more of the same? The April issue of Exposed Magazine is now available to read online here.
