Local small businesses taking big, bold and creative steps to stay afloat in the midst of Coronavirus crisis

March 14, 2020

Written By

Mary Friona Celani

For many of us – this is a scary and confusing time. It’s an inconvenience as we are stuck at home. But – for others – it’s a time of worry. It’s a time of stress as they figure out how to keep their small business from going under.

 

 

A few days ago, we talked with Jeff Morreale – the owner of Buffalo Apparel Company on Hertel Avenue. He spent thousands of dollars preparing for the normal, annual St. Patrick’s Day sale at the parade. This year – no parade – no sale – no business. It’s a tough time. But Jeff is doing what he can. He’s putting a table out front so folks don’t even have to step inside – they can shop in seconds, go home with some pretty cool Buffalo inspired merchandise – and help this small business owner stay in business. (READ MORE HERE).

We also talked with Pearl Omphalius who owns We R Nuts. Each year – these weeks at The Broadway Market are huge – this year, she’s very worried.  So she’s taking action – offering curbside pickup – even delivery. Is she nuts? Nope, just creative, hard working and willing to do what it takes! Here’s what Pearl said, “So many of you know I am a small business owner. We are a special breed, very resourceful. I worked on a Square website tonight that you can ask either to pickup your order, and I’ll have it ready for you. You never even have to leave your car …. Or, I’ll deliver if your within 10 miles of 999 Broadway or 10 Miles of Hamburg. As always you can also visit www.wernutsny.com. Please share this post because it would mean the world to me! All small businesses are going to be affected by the public health restrictions, but especially ours with our Broadway Market Season in the balance.

Where can you get these amazing nuts?   Click here for more information.

 

 

Meantime – if it’s beer you want – it’s beer you’ll get – delivered to your home. The folks at Aurora Brew Works posted this on Facebook: 

“⚠️ ATTENTION WNY! ⚠️

In the event that the coronavirus forces widespread closures and self-quarantining here in our own backyard, rest assured… YOU WILL NOT GO THIRSTY!

ABW fully intends on taking phone orders and delivering beer to your doorstep (in full protective gear) on a daily basis! In fact, we’re currently working on an online inventory, ordering, & payment system to quickly (and legally) process orders.

In the meantime, wash your f***ing hands!
#factsnotfear”

 

And… some good news for those stuck at home with little ones… it seems the big corporate world is trying to help us a bit.

The Walt Disney Company is giving an early gift to kids who are off of school because of Coronavirus.

The company announced on Twitter that Frozen 2 will be coming to Disney+ this Sunday, three months ahead of time. So there you go! I know what I’ll be doing tomorrow morning!

Bath Fitter

 

Rolly Pollies

 

Workbea Digital

 

About Me

 

 

Welcome to Totally Buffalo! A local lifestyle website.

My name is Mary Friona-Celani and I am the creator of this site! I’m a wife, a mom, a grandma, a Buffalo booster, an entrepreneur and a small business owner. I’m so glad you stopped by.  After 20 years in the buffalo media, I went out on my own to tell stories about the people, places, events and all-around fabulousness of this wonderful place we call home. Buffalo is different and so is this site. We are here to share stories, encourage kindness, and help make this a better place to live.

We’ll help those in need when we can through our charity arm, Totally Buffalo Cares.

We help local small businesses, artisans and vendors though our events and our Totally Buffalo Stores.

We’ll do all of this with a little help from friends in our community.

 

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