It’s no secret that our favourite shops and businesses on the high street are struggling. With average footfall down over 70% in some city centres, and with the safety of staff and customers a growing concern, many shops are starting to close their doors.
That said, they are not down and out, and many are evolving to try to keep their staff on the books. Shining examples such as Watch House, who’s senior staff have taken a wage cut to keep part time staff, are doing whatever they can to look after their own. But businesses can’t do it alone.
With a little help, their faithful customers can help them through this difficult period, and benefit at the same time by gaining some new skills and good habits.
Below are some ways we can help:
Evolve your habits:
If you, like me, can’t start your day without a proper coffee - you can still do that from the comfort of your own home. Many specialty coffee shops roast their own beans, and sell them by the bag. Can’t venture out? Then bring the coffee experience to your home by buying your own beans, ground coffee or even brewing equipment and start your day properly.
Below is a list of some of my favourite shops and roasters that can deliver beans to your door from around the country (England only for now). Be sure to buy local if you can:
Greater London - Assembly Coffee
South East - Small Batch (Brighton)
South West - Origin (Cornwall), Jericho Coffee Traders (Oxford)
East Anglia - Kofra (Norwich)
East Midlands - The Coffee Counter (Leicester)
West Midlands - Wayland’s Yard (Birmingham)
Yorkshire & Humber - La Bottega Milanese (Leeds)
North West - Crosby Coffee (Liverpool), Grindsmith (Manchester)
North East - Rounton Coffee Roasters (Rounton)
Food for thought:
You can go even further by ordering all sorts of food from your local cafes. Many are turning to delivering the same food you’ve enjoyed in store straight to your door. Baked goods, salads, sandwiches - you name it.
The likes of Over Under and Watch House have created a bespoke menu for home delivery that you can order through their respective apps. Check online to see if your favourite brunch spot is delivering today.
Learn something new:
If you are one of those people who have sworn to learn a new skill, but have never acted on it, now more than ever is the right time!
Yesterday my girlfriend and I had a wine tasting session - on Instagram! Her friend Gus Gluck from Quality Wine’s in Farringdon provided pre-poured red and white, for an “At Home Blind Wine Tasting”. Gus is managing to keep morale high and teach us about wine! He will be doing these at 6pm every evening, for as long as he can!
Want to learn how to bake? Then look no further than Bread Ahead who have turned their bakery course into free Instagram live lessons. Tune in at 2pm every day, and join some of the 10,000 people who’ve done so already.
Many shops are providing classes and experiences through online channels - so be sure to check on your favourite brewery, bakery, restaurant or cafe to see what they are offering today.
What else is there out there?
If you know of any great examples of how high street businesses are evolving with the current scenario, be sure to write them in the comments below and share some positive news today.
Stay sane,
Ed @ Cafe Ventures