Support Local Shops Online

All but essential stores in Boulder may currently be closed, but there are ways to continue supporting local businesses — and also get the products that you want or need. You can shop many local stores online.

The closures have hit downtown Boulder especially hard, where more than 70 percent of businesses are locally owned and operated. Small business owners employ 47 percent of the private workforce, according to the Downtown Boulder Partnership. The only stores downtown that remain open because they’re considered essential are bike shops and pharmacies.

However, you can support the local stores that have been forced to close by checking out their online stores, purchasing gift cards now to use later and showing support through social channels. Take some time to reflect on your home, wardrobe and lifestyle and build a wish list of ways to revamp or improve it when shops open back up.

LoveTheLocal.com is a compilation of downtown Boulder businesses news that’s continually updated. Here, you can find current business hours for those shops that remain open, how to buy gift cards and other new or special offerings. Sort between restaurants and retail to find what you’re looking for.

Here’s a look at some highlights of what local businesses are doing in response to the coronavirus shut-downs.

Editor’s note: If you are a local business that is not listed here, please feel free to add your shop’s offerings in the comments. Comments will be approved regularly. Make sure to check the comments for ways to connect with even more local shops.

Children’s Products

Childish Things, 3183 Walnut St., is offering online shopping, complete with live videos of its products. In addition, Childish Things put together “boredom busters” and “craft creation” kits. Bonus: On Facebook, look for live book readings to play for your kids. Shipping costs $4 or is free with a $30 purchase.

You can also shop via phone (303-442-2703), email (info@childishthingsconsign.com) or Facebook. If you’re looking for something specific, just call and ask, and the store will send you pictures and videos of options.

As for items on consignment, Childish Things will extend expiration dates by however long the store ends up staying closed.

“As a mom and Nana in this community, I know that we all are feeling uneasy these days. Our schools are closed, we’re being told to stay home, stay away from social gatherings, be extra diligent about washing hands and cleaning surfaces. It seems like our world has been turned on end very quickly,” the owner writes on the website.

Bicycles

Full Cycle Bikes, 1795 Pearl St., made bike-shopping virtual. Buy online and they will deliver to your door. As Full Cycle puts it, bikes are the Original SDV (social distancing vehicle). The Tune Up at Full Cycle is also offering online orders with delivery via Grubhub.

CBD

Bluebird Botanicals, 410 S. Arthur Ave., Louisville, is not new to e-commerce. You could always (and still can) order these CBD products online. But one of the first things this local company did was open up its assistance program to anyone who is financially impacted by the virus. People who normally used CBD but are now struggling can be eligible for a steep discount, so they can continue their self-care.

Computers

As a surge of people now have to work from home, there may be a need to get new equipment, but without having to pay full price. Experimax, 436 Main St. in Longmont, launched a new website where you can buy certified, pre-owned MacBooks. Experimax is a small, locally run business. Computers are considered an “essential” product in the quarantine.

Shoes

If you need new shoes, In Motion Running, 1880B 30th St. in Boulder, will deliver them to you. In Motion also carries (and can deliver) running socks, sports bras, nutritional products and recovery tools.

In addition, Pedestrian Shops, 1425 Pearl St., is offering free delivery from its website. If you need help picking out the right shoes, they’re willing to Facetime or text with customers to help.

Skin Care

Firiel Skin Care, 317 S. Boulder Road in Louisville, is offering free video consultations to help people get their skincare needs met. You can also buy products online and get gift certificates.

Clothes

Many local clothing stores have sales online. For example, Chelsea, 1646 Pearl St., is regularly posting items for sale on its Instagram stories. Look for free shipping locally. Chelsea is still styling, texting and taking phone calls to help you find the right outfit. Even some new loungewear (admit it, you’re all about the elastic while stuck at home). Staff will put together outfits for you and show you new arrivals. As a bonus, Chelsea is waiving the store-credit-only portion of its return policy, for the items that don’t work.

As Chelsea writes on Instagram: “While we cannot offer curbside or in-store pickup/appointments for the time being, we are still here for your shopping needs! We will still be shipping, delivering and fulfilling orders as well as keeping you up-to-date on Instagram and our website! We love you all and cannot wait to see your smiling faces again soon!”

Common Threads Boulder, 2707 Spruce St., also sells from Instagram (check the stories every day), offering delivery and encouraging gift card purchases. Get free delivery to your Boulder home for purchases over $50.

“Lots of changes going on and we are rolling with the flow,” Common Threads posted on its Instagram.

Other stores that are closed, like Alpaca Connection, are offering a discount to online shoppers. Get 20 percent off these products when purchased online.

Handbags

By Elke, 1721 Pearl St., is still selling bags online. Before the shelter-in-place was enacted, the owner said she has “teenage sons that will do just about anything to get out of the house and have somewhere to go,” so they were delivering purchases from the website to your porch or mailbox if you live in Boulder. By Elke has also launched a new jewelry website. Check Instagram, byelke, for new products. Shop the full website here.

Art

Art & Soul Gallery, 1505 Pearl St., says it is available for remote viewing sessions via Skyle or Facetime and to send information and images via phone or email. It is offering local delivery. Or use the code THANKS20 for free domestic shipping and a 20 percent off gift card for your next purchase in 2020.

Also, the Firefly Handmade Markets is still offering products handmade by artisans online. Check out the selection online at www.fireflyhandmade.com. Browse the “artisans” tab and look for your favorite artisans. If you can’t find someone you’re looking for, email fireflyhandmade@gmail.com and they’ll put you in touch.

Home Goods

If all this time at home has you re-evaluating your decor situation, the Cedar & Hyde Mercantile, 2015 10th St., Boulder, is offering 20 percent off gift cards of any amount. Cards can be used online and never expire. Shop for ideas on social media and on the website.