Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s inevitable people will have to travel outside their homes for food, toiletries, and other supplies. Several local communities are hoping those trips will be to local businesses, not just the alluring big-box stores.
Wearing face masks and practicing social distancing while going to essential businesses is still critically important, but some groups are coming up with creative ways to get people in businesses’ doors, including online “bingo” games and websites devoted to sharing local deals and discounts.
Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce
Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce is offering a bingo game to get people to order takeout and delivery from area restaurants like Brothers Deli in Lynn, or share posts on social media encouraging others to shop local.
Residents should submit their cards and proofs of purchase to info@greaterlynnchamber of commerce by April 27 for a chance to win a gift card to a restaurant of their choice that is listed on the bingo sheet. To download the bingo sheet, visit http://greaterlynnchamber.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/chamber-bingo-1.pdf.
Lynnfield
In Lynnfield, the “MarketStreet Lynnfield” Facebook page has been encouraging residents to shop locally by posting deals and discounts that are being offered during the pandemic. For example, FitRevolution gym is offering special deals — residents may prepay for 10 classes for $100.
Peabody
The group Support Peabody Business Now on Facebook has been sharing the news of what the city’s small businesses are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is offering a Support Peabody Business Sweepstakes to give residents chances to win $50 gift cards. Flow Yoga Studio is offering pickup and delivery of various grooming kits from its studio at 532 Lowell St., including a “Quarantine Hair Don’t Care” kit, a foot-soaking kit, and a facial hair care kit with items such as scissors or soap.
Swampscott
The town of Swampscott has initiated “Big Blue Bingo” to get residents to buy food in town. While restaurants across the state are banned from offering dine-in services, they can still offer takeout and delivery. In Swampscott, the town has extended the takeout and delivery option to all restaurants, regardless of whether they are normally permitted to do so.
Residents can fill out a bingo card available on the town website by visiting local restaurants like Yan’s China Bistro and Tony Lena’s Sandwich Shop. If they spell B-I-N-G-O and submit their card and proof of purchase to [email protected], they will be entered in a weekly gift card drawing for a gift card to one of the restaurants.
