Businesses in Columbus have been hit very hard by the COVID-19 closures. When everyone is practicing social distancing and self-isolation, no one can attend movies, eat out in a restaurant, get their hair cut, or shop for clothes and home items in local stores. Small businesses are hoping to make it through these uncertain times by offering a lot of their services online and relying on the donations and future bookings of Columbus residents.

Even though you can’t shop in-store or dine out anymore, doesn’t mean you can’t still show your support of local businesses! Let them know you care about the Columbus business community and are thankful for their contributions by continuing to make purchases online, buy gift cards, or beat the rush and get yourself scheduled for salon services ahead of time. We’ll make it through this together, and Columbus will come out the stronger for it!

This is a list of some of the businesses you can help right now. It is not exhaustive, but consider reaching out to help these or others in the community!

Home Items You Need Right Now!

Because we all need a little more tranquility at home

Elm & Iron

Everyone is spending more time at home these days, so why not use this opportunity to spruce up your space! Elm & Iron is a perfect place to start for stylish home furnishings, accessories, and decor. Pick up a couple of accent pillows to bring a breath of fresh air into your living room, or include a comfortable throw to your bedroom for an added touch of comfort. Don’t forget to pick up a couple of gift cards as well, either for yourself or friends and family, so they can visit the shop when they reopen.

The Book Loft

Spending time at home can mean you might start running out of things to do. You’ll never have to worry about that again thanks to online shopping at the Book Loft. Browse their online collection of mysteries, romance, teen, fantasy, science fiction and so much more. They also have all the latest in nonfiction and even some signed editions from your favorite authors! Don’t forget to add to your library of classics as well-- sometimes going back and re-reading an old favorite is just what you need in these uncertain times.

They also have gift cards available for purchase which helps out shops like these immensely. Booklovers are never shy about adding to their collections, so now is the time for you to help out your local bookstore!

Happy Go Lucky Home

This little shop seems to have a little of everything you could want while you stay at home! Need a new outfit to show up at your desk while you work from home? They have some bright new spring pieces that would work perfectly. Or perhaps you need some inspirational wall art or a plant hanger for your new home office? Well they have those too! When you’re done with work for the day, what better way to wind down and relax than with a cup of hot tea in one of their adorable mugs while you do a puzzle?

Right now they’re offering free domestic shipping on all orders, and if you purchase now, you can get 25% off orders of $150 or more!

The Candle Lab

There is definitely something to be said for the way that certain fragrances can introduce more calmness into your home. Candles are one of the best ways to keep your spirits up and attitude positive while we’re all dealing with new routines and sometimes unsettling news reports. Check out the online store of the Candle Lab, where you can choose your favorite fragrances or try something new entirely. All their candles are soy based and guaranteed to smell amazing. They also offer hand cream and sugar scrubs using the same high quality ingredients. Go ahead and pamper yourself, because self-care is extremely important!

If you know someone who could use a little pick-me-up, why not ship them their own candle or body fragrance? It’s a great way to say hi to a friend or family member that you can no longer see in person!

Local Apparel Stores for Online Shopping

Stay stylish even while working at home

Ladybird

While you’re working from home you might not always feel like getting dressed up like you did for the office. Afterall, you’re not exactly going too far to get to your desk, and you might be sharing your space with pets, kids, and significant others instead of a whole floor of coworkers. You can still look great while working from home when you pick up something stylish at Ladybird. Not only do they have fashionable skirts, shirts, and sweaters, they’re all incredibly comfortable for those long hours behind your desk.

While you might not need a bag to bring your items to and from work anymore, they do offer other accessories like jewelry and cozy slippers perfect to wear at home.

Rowe Boutique

If you’re dreaming of ways to incorporate a little resort coolness to your home office style, then look no further than the spring collection from Rowe Boutique. One of the perks of working from home is that there really is no dress code--unless you have a Skype or Zoom meeting with your boss though! You can choose to wear your pjs, jeans, and even long flowy dresses while you get your work done. They are now offering 30% off items online with their promo code. Pick up a couple of cute items here, or get a gift card for future use when you can shop in-store again.

Bink Davies

This is a great store to just order something fun from, whether it’s socks, tee shirts, hoodies, or Ohio proud glassware--this store has something for everyone. Snuggle up and read a good book or catch a few episodes of your favorite Netflix or Hulu show after work in their super soft Ohio Proud hoodie, or get a pair of their crazy fun socks to keep your feet warm while you work in your home office. This would also be the perfect time to stock up on glasses to enjoy your favorite beverages in!

State and Third

If you’re looking for a way to support a small business as well as local Ohio artists and designers, you can do both at State and Third! You can get some comfortable tee shirts, yoga tanks for your online yoga class, as well as handmade jewelry to spruce up your at-home office look. They also have care packages that would be perfect to send to a loved one while they are stuck at home. Brighten their day with the Stay Calm care package that includes lavender essential oil, soap, salve, spray, and a lotion bar. Or since everyone will be ordering in or cooking their meals, get them the Local Chef care package that includes two cookbooks, an apron, matches, and a cutting board.

Keep it local and shop this Ohio-proud small business!

Columbus Restaurants and Bars to Support

Help Columbus restaurants by ordering delivery or getting pickup

3 Brothers Diner

If your family is in the mood for some delicious Latin cuisine, then consider giving 3 Brothers Diner a call for lunch or dinner. They have all your Mexican and Cuban favorites on the menu including enchiladas, cajun tacos, chicken caliente, and Cuban sandwiches. Call to place your pickup order and right now you can get a 20% discount on orders of $20 or more. They’re also offering family-style meals, so when ordering ask about those as well!

Bonifacio

If you’d like to switch up your lunch or dinner options, then Bonifacio is sure to have something new to try! This restaurant offers delicious Filipino cuisine that would be sure to get you out of your weekday dinner rut. The taste of coconut, citrus, mangos, chili sauce, and lemongrass will have you dreaming of your next vacation! Right now you can get free takeout or delivery as well as 15% off all orders over $20.

Crimson Cup

If you’re still missing your daily run to the Crimson Cup coffee shop you’re not alone! Many people working from home have had to adjust to making their coffee and tea at home, but miss the specialty drinks and delicious bites offered at cafes. Well not to worry, because Crimson Cup is open for pickup and delivery through Uber Eats. The Clintonville location also offers drive-thru service as well. If you’d like to enjoy their ground coffee at home, you can also put in an order for delivery and pay no shipping!

Plank’s Bier Garten

Get your fill of delicious pizza at Plank’s Bier Garten which is offering curb-side carry outs as well as deliveries. They are offering a limited menu at this time, so make sure to check it out beforehand. They’re staying open seven days a week, so you’ll never have to worry about missing out on their wings, salads, subs, and pizzas.

Local Columbus Breweries

You might need some beverages to wash down all that delicious food, so don’t forget that many Columbus breweries are offering delivery and pickups at this time. Check out Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, North High Brewing, Seventh Son, and Land Grant Brewing which are just a few of the many places you can get your beer from.

Columbus Spa and Salon Services

Help your favorite salon stay afloat!

Open Sky Day Spa

Right now we know you’re trying your best to stay calm and positive as you get used to all the adjustments you’ve had to make to your days. Changing to working from home can take some time to get acclimated to, as well as learning what to do with your time while you’re at home. One way you can show your support of Columbus spa and salon businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 closures is to purchase a gift card from their site to spend at a future time. Open Sky Day Spa is offering gift cards online that you can use down the road when they reopen.

Soon you’ll be able to treat yourself to a manicure, a massage, or a facial and see your favorite estheticians again! In the meantime, show them you’re committed to helping them in this time of need.

Tranquility Spa and Salon

The Tranquility Spa and Salon is a favorite among Columbus locals who can get anything from a massage, facial, pedicure, blowout, and expert hair cutting and highlighting all in one place. While the salon remains closed, clients can still purchase gift cards for future visits! This would be a great time to take advantage of their current offer--spend $500 in gift card purchases and get $75 free, or spend $100 in gift cards and get $10 free. Your loved ones would definitely appreciate a gift card to this salon once they reopen to use as they wish!

Phia Salon

You might be beginning to realize how you take services such as haircuts and colors for granted once you no longer have access to them! The expert stylists at Phia Salon have been forced to close their doors, and while you can’t get your haircut from your favorite stylist, you can still order many of the products that are available in their store. Soaps, oils, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other skincare items are still available via online order and delivery.

Also consider booking your next appointment online ahead of time, or pick up a gift certificate to redeem when the salon does open again.

Entertainment

Support local attractions even while they’re closed

Gateway Film Center

Keep independent theater alive in Columbus even while they’re closed! You can make a donation to the nonprofit Gateway Film Center and show that keeping the arts going in this worrisome time is important to you and the Columbus community as a whole. While you’re on their site, consider becoming a member, or rent one of their movies they have available to stream online. For a donation of $10 you can rent movies for three days, and watch as many times as you’d like!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Although you can’t go to the Columbus Zoo and see the animals up close, you can still show that you care about the zoo and its mission to educate people and conserve and protect species from all over the world. Donations are important to keep the zoo running so if you enjoy it--or your kids love it--show your support even though it is closed for the time being.

Columbus is a resilient city, and even though there are numerous closures and restrictions in place to keep everyone healthy, there are still businesses that need your support. Consider taking some time to order from your favorite restaurant, treat yourself to an online movie, or get a gift card for a spa day in the future. Local Columbus businesses are depending on you!