6 ways you can support local businesses during this Covid-19 'circuit breaker' period

Four weeks of strict social distancing has forced us into the confines of our homes, a move unprecedented in Singapore’s history. While essential services such as F&B businesses are still allowed to open, it is undeniable that sales have taken a huge hit.

For those of us working or studying from home, here are some small ways you can lend support to local businesses to tide over this circuit-breaker period.

#1 Order from your hawker stalls or local F&B restaurants

If your nearby coffeeshop is often crowded, consider alternatives such as your favourite cafes or hawker stall from work. Some of them may still be open and are offering delivery services.

Facebook groups such as Hawkers United – Dabao 2020 have surfaced. These groups allow regular shout-outs from F&B establishments so you expand your food options beyond your nearby coffeeshop or Grabfood.

Opting for delivery may mean pricier meals. But for those that can afford, your order might help them stay afloat, even if just for a day longer. Some stores could be dipping into their savings to keep the business alive, while others work long hours to complete delivery orders.

#2 Go for Tingkat food delivery services

If you find it a hassle to order directly from food outlets, how about subscribing to Tingkat delivery services? Most caterers offer food that is lower in cholesterol and salt, so it’s healthier for children and the elderly in your household.

It is also tougher to squeeze working, cooking, and other household chores in a single day, making Tingkat services a favourable alternative to home-cooked food.

#3 Do online grocery shopping online

Instead of joining the crowds at the supermarket, have your groceries delivered to your doorstep. The usual retailers such as FairPrice, Cold Storage, Sheng Siong and Giant offer free delivery upon hitting a certain amount, plus it’ll help to ease the crowds at their physical outlets.

But your options don’t end there – smaller retailers such as Tankfully Fresh, Sasha’s Fine Foods, Ryan’s Grocery, Song Fish and Market Fresh are available too.

#4 Shop from local retailers

Got the urge to shop? Buy from local brands instead, be it your jewellery or clothing retailers. You might be able to save more if you are shopping from overseas e-commerce sites like Taobao, but your money goes the extra mile to help local businesses in times of need like this.

Patronise your favourite local establishments so they can survive and continue to bring you what you love when it’s back to business as usual.

Some of them might not be operating during this period, such as clothing or accessories. But if so, they are likely to be less urgent buys, so a bit of your patience (till May) could give the boost that local businesses need.

That could even be your home bakeries, who can still operate from home during this circuit breaker period.

ALSO READ: 5 ways to support local businesses during the Covid-19 crisis

#5 Donate to local causes

In response to the recent spike of Covid-19 cases among migrant worker communities, various NGOs have started fundraisers to further assist with the urgent needs of these workers.

For instance, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) is raising $80,000 in donations to provide financial and legal assistance, and shelter for workers in distress or unable to go home.

Other campaigns for migrant workers include Project Chulia Street, ItsRainingRaincoats, and Transient Workers Count Too.

To support other community efforts for the Covid-19 outbreak, head to this centralised page by SG United. Before you donate, take the extra step to verify the source. While various donation initiatives are started with good intentions, it never hurts to err on the side of caution.

#6 Spread the word

Several hawkers are offering free meals to anyone who is struggling to get by, such as The Curry Rice Stall at Timbre+, Beng Who Cooks, and a Yong Tao Foo stall in Blk 496 Jurong West.

Other stalls like House of Chicken Rice at Tanjong Pagar are meals at $0.90 a packet. Despite struggling to stay afloat, these hawkers are not asking for donations, just to spread the word out to those in need.

ALSO READ: 3 ways the Singapore government will help small businesses by investing in technology

This too shall pass

Social distancing helps to slow the spread of Covid-19, but these measures also have huge ramifications on local businesses. In dire times like this, be thoughtful as you part with your cash as a consumer. It is a stressful time for everybody.

But with our support pooled together to help local businesses, which are essential for our economy, this too shall eventually pass.

Stay at home & shop overseas online

Stuck at home during the circuit breaker period? With YouTrip, you can pay for your online shopping and subscriptions in over 150 currencies with no fees and the best exchange rates.

YouTrip is free to sign up by downloading the app and you will get your own YouTrip Mastercard for overseas online shopping.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.

This article was first published in Dollars and Sense.