Brookline is already feeling the economic impact of COVID-19 as restaurants are mandated to close dine-in service, and many businesses are making the choice to shut down temporarily. The numerous locally-owned shops in Brookline are part of what makes the neighborhood unique and wonderful; luckily, there are still ways to support those business owners from afar. We touched base with a few businesses that are aiming to keep Brookline clean, safe, and entertained during this crisis.
As of March 17, the Boston General Store on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner will be closing its physical doors to customers but will continue mailing out orders to clients. “It’s my hope that all the great customers we have will continue to support us online,” owner April Gabriel told BrooklineHub. The store is fully stocked with soaps and cleaning supplies, in bulk and by the bottle, and expect to be receiving a new shipment of hand sanitizer later this week. They have also reduced their online shipping minimum to $25 and encourage shoppers to call if they’re not finding a product online so that the store can procure it for them.
Eureka! Puzzles on Beacon Street is operating normally as of the morning of March 16, continuing to provide in-store shopping, pick-up, and shipping. “Things have been difficult for local Brookline businesses. We are trying to keep our customers and staff healthy while at the same time staying viable,” says owner David Leschinsky. “Eureka is fortunate in that people are looking for diversions while they are being quarantined. Local businesses have a lot to grapple with; our bills are still due, our employees need to be paid to meet their financial obligations. We’re all doing the best we can.”
The store remains undoubtedly an important resource for Brookliners at home with children. With a wide selection of games, toys, and puzzles, the shop can provide hours of entertainment for the social distancing family. They also sell STEM and arts and craft activities that could aid parents in planning to homeschool their children during this hiatus.
On Friday, March 13, the Coolidge Corner Theatre announced its decision to close films, events, and programs through at least April 3. Executive Director and CEO Katherine Tallman noted that all employees, including hourly, will continue to receive payment during this time and encouraged movie lovers to continue purchasing memberships and contributing to the nonprofit if and when possible. “We appreciate your support in this unprecedented time and will share our plans when we re-evaluate at the end of the month,” she says. In the meantime, Brookliners practicing social distancing can access the Coolidge’s March & April 2020 Film Guide online, which may inspire some at-home movie choices.
Continuing to support Brookline’s local businesses is an important action for the community during the COVID-19 social distancing process. Purchasing products online or gift cards for future use and donating to local nonprofits, if possible, will help ease some of the economic burdens of these closures and keep the spirit of Brookline’s business districts alive and strong.
