How To Safely Support Local Businesses This Summer

We are living in what feels like strange times. From remote learning and telecommuting to wearing masks in public, life this summer will surely look different. With any activity you undertake this summer, remembering to follow the three W’s will help keep you and your family safe:

• Wash Your Hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is another great option when you can’t get to running water.
• Watch Your Distance and maintain six feet from people with whom you do not live whenever possible.
• Wear a Mask if you cannot effectively socially distance and if you are indoors.
  
  

With those best practices in mind, below are eight ways to safely enjoy your summer while supporting your favorite local businesses:

Refresh Your Space

After spending weeks inside, you may have noticed some home improvement projects that you’d like to take on. You can use equity in your home to fund those home improvements. Working with a local contractor or landscape design company is a great way to support your community and give your home a facelift.

 

Using Equity to Improve Your Home >>

 

Enjoy a Take-Out Picnic at Home

While you enjoy the outdoors — in public spaces or your own backyard — consider making yourself a takeout picnic from local restaurants! Grab curbside pickup or delivery from your favorite eatery and a blanket or towel to throw down on the grass. If you have a K9 friend, this is also a great activity for him or her to join in on the fun.

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream

Whether your preference is soft serve or hard-pack, nothing says summer like ice cream. Ice cream stands across the state are open, providing a delicious cool treat as you practice social distancing. Local ice cream shops may offer special flavors that you won’t find in the grocery store freezer department. And ice cream shops often employ high school and college students, enabling these younger members of the community to earn some money during the summer months.

Shop Local When Possible

Need a new bathing suit? Check out boutiques or other locally-owned stores that may sell what you are looking for. These stores often support fundraisers for schools, sports teams and more  —  return the favor by shopping there instead of ordering online from a national chain. Don’t forget about your local florists. They can help you spruce up that home improvement project.

 

6 Ways You Can Support Your Local Businesses and Community Organizations >>

Treat Yourself to a Manicure or Pedicure

If you feel comfortable doing so, treat yourself to festive nails in summer colors to celebrate the arrival of nice beach weather. While your hands and feet are being pampered, you can be happy knowing you are supporting a local business!

Hit the Links

Golf is a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and get some exercise. Plus, the golfing experience may enable you to work on that social-distanced high-five after your partner’s winning putt. Golf courses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are open, but may have limited food and beverage services so you’ll want to plan refreshments in advance.

Plan a Local Vacation!

While you may be weary of longer distance traveling, we are spoiled in Massachusetts with access to gorgeous beaches, historic places and more. This summer is a great opportunity to take advantage of all our area has to offer, especially as museums reopen. Whether you prefer the mountains of the Berkshires or the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, there are options for everyone’s interests and tastes.

 

Check out our guide to Martha’s Vineyard! >> 

 

Leave a Review for a Favorite Local Business

This is not specific to the summer months, but leaving reviews on social media platforms help to inform others about your favorite businesses. You can even go one step beyond and share with your networks, letting them know about a product or service you enjoy. This exposure can help your favorite businesses attract new customers. 

At Rockland Trust, we value the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy as much as you do. We are here for them — and you — to help everyone reach their financial goals. Check out our Learning Center for helpful advice about saving, budgeting, homeownership, retirement and more.

 

Learn more about our April and May Support Small Businesses Contest Winners!