While closures continue in the wake of COVID-19, the health conflict we face is now fueled with political divisiveness and economic turmoil. Many people share different opinions about exactly how to safely manage the epidemic while safely managing the impact to Wisconsin business.
While those disagreements continue, I wonder whether we can all agree: we don’t want small businesses to suffer.
If that’s the case, and if you are financially able, would you consider spending some of your #SaferAtHome free time “shopping” local?
I’ve put together this list of businesses in the area broken by category offering online and no-contact sales. If you’re looking for restaurants and take-out options, Fox Cities Magazine published a nice list and you can also check Eat Street – or, honestly, I just recommend calling the restaurant you want to support and asking.
I did my best to research online and find a comprehensive listing of businesses in the below categories. I will continue to research and add to this on an ongoing basis. If you know of a business that is open, I am happy to add them – just email me at [email protected].
Arts + Crafts
- The Fire, downtown Appleton: They are selling take-home art kits on a regular basis. Watch their Facebook page for details on what’s in stock and how to order. They recently shared this wrap up of completed projects from this experience, check it out to get inspired!
- Board + Brush, downtown Appleton: Selling art at home kits – watch their Facebook page as a recent kit sold out! Plus, they’re selling premade projects such as these backyard games including oversized dice or cornhole boards.
- Casting On: Selling #quarenskein mystery art boxes for your next yarn project! Check out the details on this Facebook post for the customizable options. Pickup in Appleton, Green Bay or option to have the box shipped.
- Renewed+Reclaimed: Selling take-home sign projects, check out this Facebook post with some options. Also, scroll for finished furniture projects if you’re on the market for a new piece or two!
- Rustic Resque: Working on renewing some furniture? They sell products to help you get the job done, such as beautiful paints, top coats and more. Check out the complete online shop here.
Fitness, Wellness + Recreation
- Appleton BIke Shop: Open with various noncontact sales options, check their website for details and inventory.
- Empower Yoga: Offering online classes several times a day, with requests for donations to support its effort. Check out the schedule and donate here.
- Inspirations: Offering a daily schedule of virtual fitness classes; access everything for an introductory rate of $49 for 4 weeks.
- InspireSpa: Hosting feel-good virtual music events and added value discounts for gift card purchases.
- Lindsay Rae Massage + Bodywork: Sells gift cards via its website.
- Recyclist Bicycle Co: Drop off for repair and service, shop online and call, e-mail or Facebook message to communicate ahead of time. Details on this Facebook post about their COVID-19 operations, and check out the website for their shop.
- Sunflower Spa: Offering Mother’s Day gift boxes with self-care goodies, plus shop online for individual products or buy a gift card.
Entertainment
- Skyline Comedy Cafe: Hosting virtual comedy events, with the next show scheduled for 7 p.m. May 2. Ticket sales are ongoing until 2 hours before the event. Checkout the lineup and grab a ticket here.
- Escape Room Wisconsin – Appleton: Selling games + puzzle packs for in-home fun! Check out their Facebook page for details, scroll down to find specific posts (their top pinned post explains they are closed for COVID-19, but keep going.)
- Fox River Tours: Selling Mother’s Day gift baskets including gift certificates for a future tour as well as wine, coffee and other goodies; check it out here.
- Gibson Music Hall: Hopes to reschedule most of the events cancelled due to closures and also has hosted online sessions.
- Heid Music: Offering a special in April to add 20% to your gift card value and hosting online musical events.
Retail Therapy
- Anderson Pens:The fanciest pens I have seen, and you can still shop online.
- Angels Forever Windows of Light: Jewelry, stones and other specialty boxes via their online store, use the promo code STAYSAFE at checkout for 15% off and free shipping! Plus, you can sign up for a phone psychic reading.
- Aunt Esther’s Attic: Selling cloth masks for $8/each and hosting giveaways on their Facebook page, follow them here.
- Blue Moon Emporium: A curated marketplace of local independent artists and designers, their website offers a positive “We will survive!” message at its top. Check out their online store here. If you’re on the market for a mask, they have handmade ones available – check out this Facebook post.
- Bridal Elegance: Showcasing a variety of accessories on its Facebook page, and options for curbside pickup shopping.
- Dance – Available via appointment or phone call to shop for your dance apparel needs.
- Eco Candle Co: Offering new gift boxes with candles + bath goods, but also has an online shop for other related items as well as a subscription options.
- Hoot&Company: Boutique clothing store with an online shop, also selling giftcards for Mother’s Day.
- Ivory Rose Bridal Boutique: Offering virtual bridal appointments and at-home dress trials, learn more here and shop online for accessories here.
- Midwest Workwear: Open for appointment-based shopping, and also browse their online store.
- MudandPrints: Still busy spinning fresh pottery for sale, such as this Mother’s Day mug and Best Teacher Ever mug, browse the company’s Facebook posts for recent items available.
- Party and Print: Party and scrapbook supply store still offering custom balloon bouquets and other products for sale for curbside pickup, order here.
Treats
- Doughlicious: Offers edible dough, icecream and other treats and reopened recently to offer a limited menu Friday through Sunday.
- Ashton’s Confections: Locally-made decadent sweets, from decadent truffles to gourmet chocolates, bulk candy and more. Plus, they offer same-day delivery. Check out their selection, call to place an order.
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