COVID-19, AKA the novel coronavirus, has us buying all the hand sanitizer and hunkering down – but our city’s entrepreneurs are stepping up to what is also a challenge for local small businesses.
“We are adjusting hour by hour day by day,” said Meredith Calhoun of Practice Works, a wellness coworking space. “Most of our wellness practitioners are significantly impacted by not being able to be face to face with their clients.”
Birmingham’s small businesses are using daring problem-solving to roll with the punches and find new ways to serve their customer base in these weird times.
Here’s how some of REV partners and clients have adjusted their business hours and business models to keep both customers and employees safe.
Restaurants offering curbside pick-up
Fitness classes going remote
Several local studios are finding ways to help Birminghamians break a sweat, even if that means virtually. Studios such as Battle Republic and True40 are hosting online classes starting this week. Ignite Cycle, whose business model is based on riders working out in-studio, is hosting FREE online dance parties throughout the week and on Saturday. Practice Works is in the process of recording content to post on Facebook for group classes such as yoga, Tai chi and meditation. Retail items are also still available online.
Contact-free produce pick-up
With supplies dwindling in some grocery store chains, Big Pitch finalist Blueroot Co. is doing what they can to help people stock their fridge with items such as grilled proteins, grains, oats, roasted vegetables, salad dressings, snacks and eggs. Customers can also take advantage of contact-free pick-up locations. Visit bluerootco.com for more information.
Crowd-funding to keep employees afloat
Domestique has closed all of its locations until further notice in the face of COVID-19, but its roasting facility remains open to fulfill online orders. What’s more, is that the company is launching a Founder’s Card. The proceeds of the card go to helping out cafe employes until business resumes as usual. Visit domestiquecoffee.com for more information on you can help out, too.
News
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Woodlawn Marketplace: Nurturing retailers, building community
Filed Under: Birmingham Food & Drink, Business-Proving, Family Friendly, Front Page, Magic City Match, Potential-Proving, Small Business, Woodlawn, Woodlawn Street Market
Since autumn of 2021, Woodlawn Marketplace has stood tall in its place at 5530 1st Ave S. Originally planned as a month-long mini market experience featuring seasoned Woodlawn Street Market vendors, the project was met with such a positive reception that the REV team decided to press on and launch a larger, more permanent version. In the months following that decision, the space has undergone a transformation, evolving into a local retail incubator and café. Now, the heart and soul of the marketplace is supporting local businesses and building community in the historic Woodlawn business district.
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The "why" behind historic preservation + REV's key tools for making it happen
Filed Under: Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Historic Preservation, Yaysayers
Happy Historic Preservation Month, Birmingham! Every year in May, this special celebration ushers in an exciting flurry of conversation around one of our favorite topics: Saving places. The Magic City is full of historic treasures (especially our charming City Center), and REV is a longtime advocate for preserving and utilizing these spaces. But if you’re just dipping your toes into the waters of this worthy cause, a crash course might first be in order.