Support SF Small Businesses
April 21, 2020With a variety of industries closed for business, and many others severely impacted by social distancing measures, it is now more important than ever to support SF small businesses. San Francisco is a city that thrives on community, and being apart from one another is not something we’re used to doing. As an organization with properties across this great city, we’re determined to support the many small local businesses that help to make San Francisco such a great place to call home.
Nightlife
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The LAST day of our [QUARANTINE FOR A CAUSE] fundraiser begins w the magical @sofitukker at 10:15am
Many industries have begun offering virtual services to keep business running while maintaining social distance, but this is understandably difficult for bars & clubs. Local SF favorites have even adapted to our changing times by offering to-go and delivery orders on their specialty cocktails. While drinks can travel, bringing the entertainment, ambiance, and sense of community to your home can be more challenging. Popular San Francisco clubs are beginning to experiment with virtual concerts and raves using platforms such as Zoom and Twitch, including donation links set up for viewers. This allows San Franciscans to enjoy local entertainment and support the musicians within their city.
Performance Arts
As people across the world find themselves stuck at home, television and streaming services are some of the only ways to entertain an audience. This puts performance arts at a significant disadvantage due to the inability to interact with a live audience. While organizations such as theatrebayarea.org have set up donation programs to assist local theater, consumers are also increasingly interested in new ways to virtually enjoy the arts from home. As we all adjust to the changes to the environment around us, artists are sharing their crafts using unique methods. Performers, such as those from SF Ballet, are even perfecting their pas de deux from their front lawn!
Retail
Online shopping is nothing new for anyone in San Francisco but presents an entirely different challenge for local retailers who only operate brick and mortar shops in a typically bustling city. Local small retailers have scrambled to adapt by launching digital stores on platforms such as Instagram or Etsy. Others have pivoted to entirely pick-up or contactless delivery services, including local beer and wine shops. While many individuals have transitioned to purchasing goods and services from large retailers, it is important to remember to support SF small businesses that are essential to the fabric of our community.
Tourism
Empty streets have become common with social distancing measures in place, and tourists are discouraged from visiting the city. This dramatically helps to keep us healthy, but many locals rely on the constant flow of tourists to keep their businesses running. Ranked as the industry most impacted in San Francisco, tourism will be put on hold for the time being. With attractions such as Pier 39, Cable Cars, and Coit Tower closed to the public, it is recommended to abstain from tourism around The City until the shelter-in-place order is lifted. However, one of the best ways to get a look around SF is by taking virtual apartment tours in properties across San Francisco!
Athletics & Fitness
Staying in shape and active from home has been a popular topic of conversation for fitness gurus, athletes, and common folk alike. The absence of gyms, ballfields, and fitness centers has made it increasingly difficult to get your workout in. Luckily, some SF gyms are offering virtual workout classes taught by local professional trainers. You can also be greeted with a “namaste” by SF yogis teaching their classes online. We also recommend checking in with your favorite Bay Area athletes to see what tips and tricks they are offering at home.
Food & Drink
Although food can easily be ordered through a variety of apps, small businesses new to delivery can sometimes be a little harder to find. Thankfully, SF Eater has compiled a running list of all the places currently offering delivery and takeout during the shelter-in-place mandate. We positively encourage you to check out if your favorite local restaurants are open! Also, we’ve put together a guide for how to order delivery in SF for a variety of products such as food, drinks, medicine, gas, and laundry services.