Right now, many of us are staying home. But, our local businesses rely on customers showing up. During this difficult time, we wanted to put together a list of ways you can support Albuquerque small businesses from home.
1. Stream an independent movie from The Guild Cinema
The Guild Cinema is a beloved Albuquerque theater showing eclectic, indie films 7 days a week. Since closing, The Guild Cinema has switched their business model from in-person screenings instead offering online streaming options. That means, you can watch the interesting films normally brought to you by The Guild Cinema right from home.
2. Virtually browse the art collection of the Tamarind Institute
The Tamarind Institute at UNM is typically open for visitors from the public. However, they are now closed. The Tamarind Institute, a “a non-profit center for collaborative printmaking, dedicated to research, education, and creative projects in fine art lithography,” has gotten creative with a way to continue amidst the closure of their facilities. According to the UNM Newsroom,
Therefore, Tamarind will be operating virtually through April 6, according to institute director Diana Gaston. Visitors to the website can watch videos, explore Tamarind’s vast archives, read about guest artists, and even purchase prints from a large inventory. For parents trying to get in a little home-schooling while children are out of regular classes, there is family-friendly fare where youngsters can find out more about the artists and their craft.”
3. Pick up a curbside art project from Kiln It
Kiln It is an Albuquerque staple. This diverse art studio offers classes, group projects and supplies for all different types of art. Since closing their space temporarily, the studio has begun offering curbside pickup of pre-packaged art project kits. These kits include a wooden or clay piece to paint and up to six colors of paint. If a piece must be fired, the studio is even offering drop-off and pick-up services for that. This is a great craft project to keep kids busy during this time.
Offerings seem to change frequently, so make sure you check out their Facebook page to see what they are offering today.
4. Virtually tour homes for sale in Albuquerque
Whether you’re actually considering buying a home or not, looking at homes on the market can be a ton of fun. You can look for the most expensive homes on the market, try to find super-unique homes for sale or even check out what’s for sale in your own neighborhood. Now more than ever, touring homes is possible right from your smart phone.
If you don’t want to be bombarded by Realtors from all over town, you have to be careful about what sites/apps you use. Our app is easy to use and private to our company only. We don’t sell your info, we don’t show you ads to make money off of you and our app is free forever. Sign up for access to our private app at the link below if you’re interested in virtual house hunting. It can seriously help pass the time.
5. Adopt a pet from Albuquerque Animal Welfare
Being stuck at home provides the perfect time to welcome a new pet into your life. To top it all off, Albuquerque Animal Welfare is currently waiving all adoption fees to get their furry friends into loving homes ASAP. If you have been considering adopting a pet, now may be the perfect time.
To keep patrons safe, the department is currently only allowing adoptions when an appointment is made. So, if you’re planning on it, make sure you call to schedule an appointment.
6. Order a carryout meal from a locally-owned business.
Restaurants in Albuquerque are currently only able to offer carryout and delivery options; no dining in. This is having serious impacts on their profit margins. When possible, consider intentionally supporting a locally-owned restaurant by ordering a carryout meal. Many restaurants are even offering special ordering or delivery options in light of the current circumstances.
Information about local restaurants offering take out, carryout or curbside pickup are being shared on this Facebook group.
7. Take one of Explora's craft learning challenges
If you’ve ever visited Explora, you know how hands-on this museum is. Since hands-on is not a good idea given current health and safety regulations, the museum staff have taken the learning online. Near-daily, the museum is sharing challenges, activities and projects that are fun for the whole family. Consider heading over to their Facebook page to see what they’ve shared most recently.
8. Buy something online
The bottom line is: most businesses cannot operate normally without in-person patrons and many cannot operate at all that way. For the latter, consider buying a product in your favorite local business’ online store. This is a small step that can make a big difference to the bottom line of a business owner. Some examples of great products to buy online:
- Gift cards
- Coffee beans
- T-shirts or branded merchandise
- Artwork
- Artisan clothing or jewelry
- Thrifted or vintage goods
- Home decor
Above all, stay safe.
When you can, support our local economy. But, above all, stay safe and follow all guidelines issues by the State and Federal government. You can find the most current information by visiting the website for the NM Department of Health.
