Hello there wonderful community! I hope this message finds you safe, sound, and healthy. These are unprecedented times, and as we all try to fight a world that changes so much by the day, I wanted to think about COVID-19 as it relates to GGG and the small brands we work with.
As a small business dedicated to supporting the work of other small businesses, we have seen firsthand the effects that COVID-19 has had on small businesses. From layoffs and mandated closings to difficulty finding raw materials for products, it’s a tough time to be a small business – regardless of industry.
After fending off their companies for years, foreign small business owners are now faced with uncertainty. A short time ago they were preparing for a sales promotion in conjunction with the spring and summer outdoor activities; now they are experiencing canceled hikes, slow sales, an inability to innovate, and a sluggish economy.
To put it simply, small companies face losing the progress they have spent years building. The ramifications are real for people.
During this global pandemic, it seems difficult to decide where we as individuals can best spend our time, energy and resources. While basic needs come first, this week we received dozens of emails from community members asking what they can do to better support founders of the small companies and products they love.
For those who have the means, health, and availability to do so, here are a few ideas:
- Have you canceled an upcoming trip due to COVID-19? Try not to return your items. Save it for the next trip! Chances are the money has been spent on something else. Increasing returns during times of low sales can feel like a kick in the teeth.
- Do you have gear needs for a trip we hope to happen later this year? Consider buying your items now instead of waiting. Although small companies will appreciate your order whenever it is placed, it will have a huge impact if it is purchased now! This gives cash on hand and works for the staff to help everyone in the coming weeks.
- Thinking of buying from a big box company? See if there is a similar small company. If you’re not sure where to look, send us an email and we’ll happily send suggestions your way!
- Are there certain brands and products that you have recently fallen in love with? Like and comment on their social media posts, share their content as you feel free, and send them thank you messages from time to time! Doing so is free, and incredibly useful.
- Have a friend with a birthday coming up? Buy them a gift from a small company. Not sure what they are looking for? Gift cards are a great option!
- Be understanding about delays, slow reactions, and hiccups along the way. Business owners are not pandemic experts, and everyone is doing their best to adapt to their ever-evolving circumstances.
- Consider not using a promo or discount code. I know they are tempting, but even a 10% difference is a big deal for a small product.
As for , we are not immune to the effects of COVID-19. While we currently remain open and shipping, we are doing so with modified operations, modified daily operations, inventory focused on the most in-demand items, extended shipping times on certain products, strict hygiene measures, and almost daily inspections of procedures.
In the last 2-3 weeks that has meant a big shift in emphasis on dehydrated food, portable bids, wetsuits, body wipes, first aid salves, powdered toothpaste and other items that find some relevance in these challenging times.
We are incredibly fortunate in the sense that our entire team is remote in nature, with small offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Driggs, Idaho. We’ve been using cloud-based digital communication tools for years now, so that part of using GGG is already embedded in our practice.
Now, more than ever, it is important to stick closely to the communities and people we care about. If you have ideas for other ways to support small businesses, want to exchange friendly emails, or would like to hear more about the changes we’re making to our operations here at GGG, don’t hesitate to send us an email. Your support, kindness, and confidence is what makes it all possible.
With an abundance of gratitude and love,
Lloyd, Amy, Adam, Jansen, Katya, Ben, Tyler, and Maria