As locals hunker in their homes to socially distance themselves and wait out the outbreak, mom-and-pop shops are being affected in a major way. Many have been forced to shutter doors, and all of them are taking the hit of seeing diminished crowds. Fortunately, in this digital age, the web provides a back-up plan and local businesses are smartly taking advantage of the techy possibilities. Yoga studios and gyms are live-streaming classes, nature reserves and museums are hosting virtual tours, restaurants are offering special takeout menus and free delivery and shops are increasingly selling via online shops. Before Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered Florida to stay at home for 30 days, some shops also ran special promotions, like a canned food drive at To the Moon Boutique in Bonita Springs, where customers receive a gift when they donate nonperishable goods. Others, like Marissa Collections and Jennifer’s, are taking services to the next level, offering luxe experiences, such as video chats with stylists.
Small businesses need our support more than ever, and you can chip in by buying online or getting a gift card for later use. We rounded up some virtual shopping opportunities in our area, so you can stock up while giving back. So, let’s make like it’s Cyber Monday and start shopping.
For … Local art: DAAS Co-Op
For… Daily deals on women’s wear: Jami’s Boutique
For… Sophisticated styles, delivered any way you like: hand-delivered, through shipping or in-store pick-up): Jennifer’s in Fort Myers
For… 20% on trendy casual wear: Hollie’s Boutique
For… Instagram-worthy looks with free delivery: Shop Rouze Boutique
For… Pieces to spruce up your quarantine basecamp: Kaleidoscope Home
For… Cute threads with free delivery (and a bonus gift): Shop Forema Boutique
For… Homegrown soaps and other smell-good essentials: Naples Soap Company
For… Hand-delivered locally roasted coffee: Narrative Coffee Roasters
For… Curated designer fashion: Marilyn’s
For… Limited edition prints: Marcus Jansen
For… Tropical art by a local favorite: Muffy Clark Gill
For… One-on-one video chat shopping and sophisticated, of-the-moment styles: Marissa Collections
For… Trendy looks for mom and daughter: To the Moon Boutique
For… Gourmet meal kits to make at home: The French Brasserie Rustique
For… Craft beer to-go: Millennial Brewing Company and beer nerd-approved merch
For… Fun care package items: Pomegranate & Fig Gift Boutique
For… One-on-one art buying: Gardner Colby Gallery
For… Stylish masks to combat germs (though cloth masks aren’t as protective as medical-grade ones, it provides an extra barrier. Mind the rest of the CDC guidelines, and wash any homemade mask often): D.Lacquaniti Bespoke
For… Hands-on, lively cooking class experiences and gift cards: Kitchen Social
For… Helpful and essential hardware supplies: Sunshine Ace Hardware
For…Free delivery of medications and the latest wellness recommendations: Cypress Pharmacy
For… Traditional and contemporary fine art collections: Native Visions Gallery
