Support Small & Local Businesses, Especially Now

The safety and health of Downtown Lexington’s residents, workers, and visitors is of the utmost importance to us here at Downtown Lexington Partnership. We are continuing to monitor the situation at hand and the recommendations passed down by government and public health officials regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), and we will forward any updates through our social channels. The most important thing right now is to take the appropriate actions to remain healthy and limit the spread of COVID-19. The City of Lexington’s response page is being updated constantly on what COVID-19 is, what the risks are, and how to prevent its spread, as well as a list of closings and major updates.

We are all concerned about health right now, both our own and our loved ones’. While this concern is valid, we also ask you not to forget the health and well-being of the City of Lexington and the businesses and people that make it the wonderful place that it is. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our city and its economic wellbeing, diversity, and success. When they suffer, Lexington suffers. We cannot afford to neglect them, especially at a time such as this.

The small business owners of Lexington need your support now more than ever, and fortunately, there are plenty of ways to continue to support these organizations while maintaining safety and health. Downtown Lexington restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and cultural institutions are currently taking extra steps to ensure their spaces are clean and safe for their customers.

This is a rapidly changing situation. Be sure to follow instructions from public health officials regarding social distancing and proper health etiquette when visiting businesses and public areas.

Even if you cannot visit these organizations in person, there are still ways you can support our small and local businesses:

Shop online or via phone. Many of downtown’s retailers have online shopping available; our local and independent shops will help you get what you need via phone, Facetime, or other methods, if necessary.

  1. Purchase custom or corporate gifts from retailers who can handle orders over the phone or online.
  2. If you typically order wholesale products with local retailers later in the year, place your orders now.
  3. For restaurants, order takeout or delivery and tip the same amount as you would dining in.
  4. If you do not need anything specific at the moment but still want to support local, buy gift cards to spend later in our various storefront businesses or restaurants.
  5. If you already have a gift card for a local business, consider saving it and paying cash for now.
  6. Share this post and information widely so others know how to help.

First and foremost, prioritize and take all health and safety precautions for yourself and others in our community. Our community health depends on working together, and our small businesses are the heart of Downtown Lexington’s economy and culture. We want to make sure they continue to be successful while maintaining appropriate public health safety measures.

 

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