As small, independent restaurants, shops and services feel the financial crunch from the COVID-19 ordered shut down, many are turning to online discounts and new promotions to stay afloat during the crisis.

Since the order was put in place, Edgewater and Andersonville businesses have set up gofundme.com campaigns to help make sure that workers are cared for while unemployed. Those same storefronts however, are in the midst of their own struggle to pay rent, utilities, and other bills.

In response, a surge of new business strategies have been implemented to encourage residents to help keep the local economy healthy until the order has been lifted. Customers can now take advantage of new promotions such as curbside delivery, special sales and free shipping at area restaurants and retail shops.

Another trend in attracting customers during the shut down has come in the way of discounted gift cards. Customers can pay it forward through card purchases to their favorite businesses so that they can survive during this time of extreme uncertainty. Then those patrons can then utilize the card now or look forward to a future meal or retail item when doors are open for business.

Businesses such as Tide Cleaners are not only offering discounts but also free laundry services to first responders. Bryn Mawr Jewelry will give 20% back to a local business of charity of your choice when you purchase a gift card online.

The local shopping movement has been a driving force for the community and has helped shape our neighborhoods into vibrant urban environments. Consider implementing two-three takeout meals this week at an Edgewater restaurant or purchase your favorite item from an Andersonville retail online store. If just a quarter of us support our local businesses this way, it will ensure that their doors will remain open in the future.

Visit the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce for business options.

Visit the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce for business options

Selected sales and promotions in no particular order:

Tide Cleaners –  20% off first order, free laundry services to first responders

City Olive – Order online for curbside pickup or free delivery in 60640 or 60660 ( over $75). 

Alamo Shoes – 25% Off online orders

Reza’s Restaurant – 50% Phone in orders mon-Fri

Pearl’s Chicago – 15% Discount for call in/pick up orders

Pizzeria Aroma – Family Deal – 16in pizza, tub of pasta and mozzarella sticks for $32.95

Smack Dab Chicago – 20% Online orders with unlimited use promo code: quarantineqt

Helix Cafe – All coffee $15 per pound, delivered 7 days a week. Order online: HERE

Cowboys and Astronauts – 20% Off online

Terry’s Toffee  – 20% Off online orders and ground shipping is only $7 through April 7

Foyer Shop– 10% Off gift cards online, use code WHATATIMETOBEALIVE

Bryn Mawr Jewelry – Purchase a gift card and we will give 20% back a local business of charity of your choice, free shipping on all online orders

FOURSIDED – 20% Off all gift cards online

Mercantile M – 20% Off all merchandise until April 7th

Dearborn Denim – 10% off all online orders

Milk Handmade – 20% Off Gift cards online and  free shipping on purchases over $50 (use code: DISTANCEMAKESTHEHEARTGROWFONDER)

Mia Francesca – 20% Off gift cards online

Oda Mediterranean Cuisine – 25% off online orders

Burke’s Public House– Friday fish fry carry out $11.95/order, phone orders only

Income Tax Bar – Rotisserie Chicken Dinner Half $30 | Whole $55 with rotating salad and dessert, carry out wine, beer, cider 40% off! All orders by phone 773-897-9165

http://www.indiecafe.us/ Special Deal: 15% off orders online at Indiecafe.us

Más Allá del Sol – Tamales by the dozen $36