The closures COVID-19 has caused have put a lot of small businesses in jeopardy. As a freelance journalist I don’t have much money to throw around but any extra that I do come across I’ve been putting right back into the community by shopping at small businesses. I always try to support but during this period I’ve become a lot more aggressive about it.
Some of the businesses I’ve been patronizing during this time are:
Gather Here
Gather Here is a Somerville sewing shop, one of the few left in Greater Boston. They’ve also been a big part of the Boston Area Mask Initiative making fabric masks for healthcare workers. They sell mask kits as well as supplies for sewing, knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, and many other crafts.
Curio Spice Co.
Another Cambridge area business that sells really interesting spices, syrups, and sweets. I purchased a few spices that I have trouble finding elsewhere (rose petals and star anise) as well as a ginger syrup that I think will be spectacular in cocktails and on desserts. They’re offering 50% off shipping right now!
All She Wrote Books
All She Wrote Books is a fabulous bookstore that focuses on female and LGBTQ authors, those that have been historically marginalized in literature. They started as a pop up shop and are planning to open a brick and mortar store when this has all passed. The owner Christina is lovely and can help you find virtually any book you want, even if it’s not in their online shop.
The Wine Press
If there’s anything we really need during a crisis, it’s wine! Wine Press is a great shop that started on the Brookline/Fenway border and now has a Fenway location as well. They have a very knowledgable staff and a phenomenal selection of wines in all price ranges. They also have some hard liquor and a variety of cocktail mixers. And they do pickup or delivery.
Trident Cafe and Bookstore
Trident has a little bit of everything. They have a great book selection, and are still selling takeout meals, but they’ve also always been a spot for unique cards and gifts. I ordered a feminist puzzle feature cartoon images of famous and powerful ladies on it. They’re also offering a fun service where you can add a blind date with a book to any meal you order by takeout. Then you get a surprise book with your meal!
EgaliTea Organic Cafe
The owner of this fine tea shop has very smartly pivoted her business model. Typically you come in and she brews tea for you. You can still get tea like that to go, but she’s also making custom tea bags that you can take home with you. I bought several different flavors. It’s very high quality and interesting tea and she provides instructions for proper brewing.
More Than Words
More Than Words is a nonprofit organization and bookshop that helps young people in tough circumstances gain independence and experience through paid work. Though the store is closed you can order used books in good shape online (typically for $4.99 per book) and have them shipped to your house. Plus you’re donating to a great cause!
Beacon Hill Chocolates
You may remember this spot from my cousin Ava and my yearly chocolate tour. It’s our favorite stop. And in this troubling time a high quality truffle can make all the difference. It looks like they’ve stopped fulfilling online orders since I stopped by but it’s a great place to keep in mind when things start to reopen.
Where have you been shopping small lately?