10 Local Businesses to Support during COVID-19 Pandemic
While the Coolidge Corner Theatre is closed now, its website has an online portal so you can stream new releases. Photo by Cydney Scott
10 Local Businesses to Support during the COVID-19 Shutdown
By ordering takeout and buying online, you can help these popular establishments survive
The coronavirus has had a devastating impact on many small businesses across the country. Some have had to shut their doors, while others have been forced to reduce operations and lay off staff. For the few small shops and neighborhood restaurants that have been able to remain open for online shopping and delivery services, every dollar helps. We’ve put together a list of 10 small businesses around Boston that offer unique gifts, services, and eats—so shop local!
1.
Brookline Booksmith in Coolidge Corner is closed for the time being, but the shop, founded in 1961, is selling books online. If you’re looking for other ways to support this family-owned business, you can buy a gift card to use when it reopens or attend one of the store’s virtual events.
2.
The Allston and Davis Square, Somerville, branches of this thrift and consignment store are currently closed to shoppers, but the company is still offering to pay for your closet cleanouts. You can mail in your unwanted duds and receive 25 percent of the selling price; find out how here.
3.
T. Anthony’s
1016 Commonwealth Ave., Boston
Local pizza shop T. Anthony’s, a West Campus staple, has been a popular student meeting spot for 35 years. The restaurant is still offering takeout and delivery service and if you’re in the area, you can order from the breakfast or dinner menu here. We’re partial to the teriyaki tips, eggplant parm, or the lighter Greek salad.
4.
Like all movie theaters in Massachusetts, the Coolidge Corner Theatre is shuttered for the time being, but you can support this almost 90-year-old nonprofit by streaming some of Hollywood’s newest releases and independent documentaries through a portal on the Coolidge website. Sign up for The Etruscan Smile, starring Brian Cox and Roseann Arquette, about a rugged old Scotsman who moves in with his son and newborn grandson, or The Booksellers, a documentary about New York City’s esteemed and quirky book dealers and collectors. The Coolidge gets a percentage of the proceeds, and you get to watch from home with your own snacks. You can also support the theater by becoming a member or making a donation.
5.
J.P. Licks is one of the area’s most popular ice cream chains, with over a dozen locations in the Greater Boston area. Most of the shops are open for takeout and delivery, including the Coolidge Corner store, at 311 Harvard St., Brookline, which is closest to the BU campus. Check here for a full menu of flavors, such as the classic Cookies ’n’ Cream, the new Cocoa Pebbles flavor, and the dairy-free Lemon Hibiscus Sorbet.
6.
This secondhand clothing shop also offers an array of products made by local artists. The store may be closed, but you can view and order the clothing, jewelry, and more via the online store and have it shipped anywhere in the United States. Vivant Vintage also sells face masks. Note: the store does not offer refunds or exchanges for online purchases.
7.
Allium Market, opened in 2015, offers a delicious selection of imported olive oils, cheeses, specialty coffees, chocolates, and more. Although the kitchen and café are closed, the market is still selling pantry items. Allium Market delivers locally and will ship within the United States.
8.
Eureka’s Coolidge Corner store is closed to shoppers, but its website has all of the jigsaw puzzles, hard-to-find board games, and trinkets you need to stay busy while in quarantine—and Eureka will ship your purchases to you.
9.
The family-run Boston General Store, with locations in Brookline and Dedham, Mass., offers a variety of home goods and accessories, with a focus on sustainability. Especially during this time, when many of us are stuck at home, waste can accumulate quickly. The Boston General Store’s online shop sells natural cleaning supplies, reusable Bees Wraps food wraps, Onyx nonplastic storage containers, P.F. Candle Co. soy candles, and more. The store also has ideas for Mother’s Day (coming up this Sunday).
10.
Trident Booksellers and Cafe
338 Newbury St., Boston
First, buy some books online from Newbury Street’s Trident Booksellers and Cafe. Next, check out the kitchen’s delivery and takeout options. Try the Turvacado sandwich, with bacon and smoked gouda on rosemary focaccia, the Trident Signature Salad, with cranberries, mandarin oranges, almonds, and gorgonzola, or share the Chicken and Waffles brunch for two with orange mimosas by the can—you can include alcohol in your takeout or delivery order with a valid ID.
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