All the Ways You Can Support Small Fashion and Beauty Businesses During the Coronavirus Crisis
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to sweep across the United States and impact all facets of the global economy, Americans have been left wondering how they can help small businesses that have been forced to shut their doors due to the virus.
On March 25, Congress agreed to a $2.2 trillion stimulus package that was comprised of about $350 billion in loans for small businesses to aid the struggling economy amid the pandemic. The loans, which were made available through the US Small Business Association (SBA) lenders and any financial institution signed up to the program, began rolling out on April 3 according to the Wall Street Journal. But by April 16, the program intended to keep small businesses afloat had run dry of funds for the Paycheck Protection Program, CNN reported. Now, the Senate is rapidly negotiating a new deal that would allocate another $320 billion into the program.
Even before the stimulus money started to run out, Americans began scouring the internet for different ways to support their favorite local shops during the crisis.
According to Pinterest, searches for “support small business” have increased 351% over the past few weeks as Pinterest users are looking to support one-of-a-kind companies. Google says search interest in “how to support small business” reached an all-time high this month in the U.S. It also launched a small business help center to provide entrepreneurs the resources needed to help them adjust and navigate online marketing, advertising and more.
So what can you do to pitch in? Read on to see everything to know about how you can support your favorite small and local businesses as they work through the economic crisis.
The Pinterest Shop
Check out The Pinterest Shop, a curated dashboard on the app that features profiles and products of hundreds of shoppable pins from 21 U.S.-based sustainable and ethical businesses, including clean beauty brand NakedPoppy, handmade crafted bags by Alma Moda, Prosperity Candle and more.
“As a visual discovery platform, Pinterest gives shoppers the opportunity to find new products, seamlessly buy what they see, and find one-of-a-kind businesses. The Pinterest Shop amplifies and celebrates these small and medium-sized businesses — when they need support more than ever,” Pinterest’s head of global business marketing, Colleen Stauffer, told Women’s Wear Daily.
Shop App
E-commerce platform Shopify launched a new mobile app, Shop, on April 28, designed to give customers a one-stop-shopping experience at their fingertips. But the best part? It features special components that allow shoppers to easily locate small businesses near them, view its inventory and flexible pickup/shipping options and place orders knowing that Shop won’t take a commission.
A post shared by Shopify (@shopify) on Apr 28, 2020 at 6:19am PDT
“When developing our app, we saw the need and desire to provide users with a way to discover and support their local businesses, that’s why we created the “shop local” feature, which lists local businesses who are on Shopify based on the address of their physical location. Better yet, there’s no need for businesses to opt-in to participate — we got them covered,” Shop’s Product Marketing Lead Melissa Ho tells PEOPLE.
A post shared by Shop (@shopapp) on Apr 27, 2020 at 2:39pm PDT
She adds, “The majority of the businesses powered by Shopify are small [employ 50 or fewer people] to medium [employ 500 or fewer people] in size, which makes it easy for Shop to identify the businesses closest to you that need your support.”
Etsy’s #StandWithSmall Campaign
With more than 65 million items available from over 2.7 million sellers on the global marketplace, Etsy’s community has helped small businesses get off the ground and thrive — and now, they’re continuing to help them sustain orders.
On April 1, Etsy launched its #StandWithSmall campaign, which reminds shoppers that every purchase made on its platform directly impacts another entrepreneur’s livelihood.
“Stand With Small is only one way we are supporting our sellers during this time. We’re also waiving millions of dollars in advertising fees, providing flexibility around payment schedule, and even speaking directly with US and EU legislators to ensure micro-entrepreneurs are eligible for vital stimulus and aid packages,” said Etsy’s CEO Josh Silverman.
Silverman added, “Unlike mass retailers, when you shop on Etsy, you’re directly making a difference in someone’s life while supporting their creative passion.”
Direct-to-Consumer Shopping
Even though people are shopping more online since storefronts have closed, some fashion and beauty brands are still facing setbacks. “Digitally native [direct-to-consumer] brands should anticipate hardships in the coming months,” eMarketer analyst Oscar Orozco said in a report, according to CNBC.
When you shop directly from a designer or brand’s website rather than a big box retailer, the profits go directly to them and their employees, which is helping making smaller labels stay afloat during this challenging time.
Paige Mycoskie, the Founder and President of California-based loungewear brand Aviator Nation, shared how important online sales currently are to helping her pay her team. “During this shutdown I am committed to paying all of my employees. Each of your orders at this time will go directly toward the wages of our employees so we thank you for continuing to shop with us through this unprecedented crisis. This includes factory workers, hourly retail workers and fulfillment teams,” she said in a statement on Aviator Nation‘s website.
Below, find some small businesses close to PEOPLE Style editors’ hearts that we will be supporting during the crisis.
Hunter Bell NYC
This feminine fashion label was developed on the floor of Hunter Bell’s New York City apartment in 2006, so it’s no surprise that all of her flirty and playful pieces are made in N.Y.C.’s Garment District. The brand is best known for its romantic and playful esthetic and use of high-quality fabrics. She now resides in Houston Texas, where the line is designed. In order to contribute during these uncertain times, the brand is donating $5 from every purchase to Feeding America and shipping all orders with a complimentary mask made from upcycled fabrics.
Buy It! Hunter Bell NYC “Anderson” Dress, $330; hunterbellnyc.com
Renée Rouleau Skin Care
Renee Rouleau
The celebrity esthetician’s one-size-does-not-fit-all approach to skincare has gained a cult following thanks to her 30 years of experience, and her line of products (sold only on her website) cater to specific skin types and concerns. She also offers personalized regimens that can even be broken down to customers in virtual skin consultations.
Buy It! Renée Rouleau Skin Care Triple Berry Smoothing Peel, $88.50; reneerouleau.com
Kinn
Jennie Yoon launched the company in 2017 with the idea that fine jewelry should be affordable and celebrate the stories of every woman. She hopes to offer “modern heirlooms” that will last a lifetime, can be worn everyday and are fairly priced. All of Kinn’s pieces are crafted in her studio in Los Angeles using 100% solid recycled gold and certified, conflict-free gemstones.
Buy It! Kinn Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings, $180; kinnstudio.com
Chelsea King
Founded by a mother and father in 2013 after they were inspired to create something pretty to put in their 2-year-old daughter’s hair, Chelsea King’s scrunchies are all locally handmade in Canada by their small team. Giving back has always been a pillar of the brand (they’ve supported Mamas for Mamas, City Dream Centre and the Canadian Cancer Society) so in light of the coronavirus crisis, the brand launched a Healthcare Heroes program to offer a 25% discount to all medical professionals. Plus, with every purchase over $60 they will be donating a scrunchie to a frontline worker, and have already donated hundreds to help nurses keep the hair off their faces while they’re working long hours.
“We are very thankful for our customers and their choice to shop small. Our customers are engaging, supportive, encouraging and loyal, even when times are tough like they are right now,” Chelsea King founders Emily and Jason Minion tell PEOPLE. “It’s thanks to them, especially in times like these, that we’re able to continue to invest in our communities and give back. With the support of our customers, weekly care packages of our products are being sent to a new hospital or care home for them to share among their staff. The response has been overwhelming and we couldn’t do it without the incredible support.”
Buy It! Chelsea King Eco Satin Sleep Scrunchie, $17.98; chelseaking.shop
Aviator Nation
Aviator Nation
The comfy and colorful sweatsuits have become our mood-boosting, work-from-home essential. Every sale during the coronavirus pandemic goes directly to the hardworking employees behind brand.
Buy It! Aviator Nation Women’s 5 Stripe Navy Sweatpants, $156; aviatornation.com
Isa Tapia
This female-founded Manhattan-based women’s footwear brand is best known for its feminine designs as well as it’s quality materials and construction, with all shoes made in Spain. Isa founded her namesake brand in 2012 and was a part of the CFDA Fashion Incubator from 2014-2016. The designer is now paving a new way for small business to operate, owning her own warehouse and distribution center in New Jersey, enabling full control over logistical operations and providing domestic jobs.
Buy It! Isa Tapia “Te Amortizations” Sandals, $195; isatapia.com
Voloshin
Founded by husband and wife team, Amy and Leo Voloshin in 2017, Voloshin is a line of beautifully and ethically made garments with sustainable hand-printed natural fibers with traditional hand embroidery. The womenswear line is based in Philadelphia and designed by Amy, while most of the garments are produced by skilled artisans in India, with a focus on fair labor and ethics.
Buy It! Voloshin “Rhea” Wrap Top, $118; voloshin.us, “Palladio” Cropped Pants, $96; voloshin.us
As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. To help provide doctors and nurses on the front lines with life-saving medical resources, donate to Direct Relief here.
