The order to close businesses in Texas has left many of us asking how we can best support small businesses during this crisis. If you can financially do so, please consider going out of your way to support locally-owned businesses and organizations in Mansfield, Burleson, and the surrounding areas right now. Here are seven ideas on how to do that:
1. Order takeout
Bars and restaurants have been ordered closed, but many are finding ways to offer takeout. Some are even offering delivery services for the first time. Call your favorite local restaurants or visit their Facebook pages to find out what alternatives they're offering customers. A couple of great Facebook groups to join to find out which restaurants you can order from are: Take-Out Mansfield and Burleson Food To Go.
2. Change your habits
You might only grocery shop at HEB, Kroger's, or Wal-Mart typically. But those large businesses have more resources to help employees and stay in business throughout this crisis. Instead, think about stopping at places like locally-owned City Market Burleson or Walnut Creek Farm in Alvarado. You could also consider going green in your cleaning products, and Mary from The Spanglish Casita can help you make the transition.
3. Plan ahead
Have a birthday party to plan for later this year? Reserve a location or entertainer now. That support -- and a down payment! -- will give small business owners a boost during a scary time for them. Check out Royal Guest Princess Parties or Kidcreate Art Studio in Mansfield.
4. Make summer camp plans
It might be hard to picture right now, given the situation, but summer is just a few months away. Now is the time to plan for summer for your kids. Then reserve those spots for camps now. Businesses and organizations will appreciate that support!
5. Buy gift certificates
Almost any business will allow you to buy a gift certificate for later use. Most have online options. That will give them the cash they can use now to pay bills and employees, and you can look forward to spending it when restrictions have lifted. Gift certificates aren't just for restaurants -- think about businesses ranging from some of the smaller boutiques in Historic Mansfield or Old Town Burleson to How Sweet It Is Cake Shop in Alvarado, to booking a massage from Mariah's Traveling Therapeutic Massage or a hair/eyebrow appointment at Juliet Salon.
6. Don't ask for your money back
Extracurriculars canceled? Gyms closed? Daycare shuttered? Consider asking for makeup classes or time rather than asking for your money back. They need every penny you can afford to offer right now to stay solvent and pay employees.
7. Donate to a Local Food Bank
While many secondhand stores are not accepting donations or consignment currently because of the coronavirus, places like these local food banks are helping families suffering financially during this crisis -- like laid off restaurant workers, retail employees, and others. A few to consider are Your Harvest House in Burleson, Harvesting in Mansfield, or Helping Hands for Jesus in Alvarado.
This is in no way an exhaustive list. If I were to name all the local businesses you could support during this time we would be here all day, but I hope that you will consider supporting some of the businesses on this list and use this as a way to brainstorm more ways we can come together as a community during this time.
I would also like to thank Macaroni Kid Mansfield-Burleson's realtor sponsor for sponsoring and helping to put together this list. Buying and selling are still happening in and around our community, and if you are in the market, please let Renee Miller help you make your real estate dreams a reality.
