Page 56 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2020

SHOPPING
stay
& small
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Sara Kate Boutique, Gina’s Clothing & Jewelry Boutique and Panache Apparel & Accessories
ow more than ever, it’s important that we as a community support our local businesses. Retail stores in particular are struggling under the quarantine regulations that have put an end to their usual walk-in shoppers. In response, many
locally-owned stores and boutiques are going above and beyond to o er alternatives to in-store shopping.
“We have gone to social media and are pulling out all the stops,” says Rebeca Fairley, owner of Panache Apparel & Accessories. “We are shipping goods, o ering curbside pick up, and free delivery with in 15-mile radius.”
Fairley says that when coronavirus rst made its way to the Coast, the store saw a drastic decrease in walk-in tra c – approximately 80 percent before stay-at-home orders were issued. However, retailers have not let this mandate stall their businesses completely.
Social media has largely been to thank for their continued ability to sell their wares. Many brick-and-mortar boutiques have amped up their online presence, sharing pictures and pricing as well as posting live videos.
“Since we don’t know when we will be able to reopen, we have begun photographing merchandise and will post it on our Facebook page,” says Gina’s Clothing & Jewelry Boutique namesake Gina Sabbatini. “We are able to accept PayPal for purchases or make payment arrangements through other methods. Items purchased can be shipped directly to you or we can bring them out to your car.”
If you don’t need anything right now but still want to support local retailers, a great way to do so is by purchasing a gift certi cate. By doing so, you’ll give these businesses some cushion to help tide them over as well as have a gift certi cate you can look forward to cashing in once the store has reopened.
“We are beyond thankful for all who support us and are still shopping,” says Fairley. “Even if people are commenting on our videos and pictures that has been helping get the word out about our business. ‘Sharing is caring,’ and it really goes a long way on social media for small businesses.”
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT from Sara Kate Boutique.
GINA’S EMPLOYEE models new arrivals.
BRACELET STACK from Panache Apparel & Accessories.
56 | May 2020
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