18/03/2020
What can you do to help local business while staying safe at home?
Scout caught up with Theodora Skedas, the executive director of the small business boosting nonprofit Cambridge Local First, and Aaron Cohen, owner of Gracie’s Ice Cream in Somerville, to discuss how people can help local businesses during a time of social distancing.
Buy merchandise or other items sold online. “I think that actually a better way to help businesses immediately is to buy t-shirts, sweatshirts, or other merchandise that they have,” Cohen says. He advises—if possible—buying merchandise over gift cards because “gift card purchases are not technically cash you can use right away. … But if you buy a t-shirt, then that money goes right to the business.” Skedas echoes that statement, but says that any consumption is recommended, “whether that be virtual takeout, gift cards, or online merchandise consumption.”
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