By Small Businesses everywhere have been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic, but one group of crafty entrepreneurs aim to soften the blow and create something that could be replicated in towns across the country.
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It is no secret that this out-of-control pandemic has a lot of local businesses on the edge. While it may be easy to say that lockdowns and stay-at-home orders are to blame, it’s obvious that the Federal Government has done little to save cultural institutions dotted across small towns everywhere. ‘Main Street’ in every small town across America is endangered now, running the risk of becoming a sea of corporate box stores pushing the “mom and pop” shops out of business.
The first step to solving any problem is recognizing that there is one. So a few weeks ago, Visit Fort Collins launched an eCommerce site called “The Visit Fort Collins Marketplace” — A site showcasing local businesses that are unique to Fort Collins.
“We know shopping continues to be disrupted with changing consumer patterns,” states Cynthia Eichler, President, and CEO for Visit Fort Collins. “With COVID, we know that many of our local businesses have been hurt and challenged economically. The site is a focus on local, the nexus of what makes Fort Collins special. If visitors and residents cannot get to our businesses, we will bring businesses to them.”
The Visit Fort Collins Marketplace includes traditional local products and gift certificates to allow gift recipients to choose on their own or use at a local retailer depending on the offer. Consumers can also purchase experiences such as whitewater rafting, bike tours, beer tastings with the head brewer, or a book talk with a local author. Customers can plan and purchase all that they need for a great experience in Fort Collins or enjoy at home, all while support local businesses. Currently, there are more than 40 local merchants on the site.
This is a fantastic concept that could be easily replicated in small towns across the country. One more example of a community looking to be responsible in the face of a deadly pandemic that was left abandoned by the federal government coming together to create genuine innovation that has applications outside of its own borders. Check it out now at fortcollinsmarketplace.com and do yourself a favor, buy some local goods or experiences for Christmas.
