From SARAH EDWARDS, Executive Director
Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation

In Downtown Smithfield, our small businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in many different ways, but most of them are hurting.

At this point, some businesses have been closed for four to six weeks (businesses like Jewel's Formals, the Howell Theatre, Gorgeous Nails & Spa, Pizazz, Classy C's, John Michael's Artistic Hair, The Yoga Connection, Tucker Furniture, and for the most part Mucho Mexico).

While some of those businesses whose doors are closed have worked to identify new revenue streams, such as selling online (Richardson Trophy & Awards) or offering virtual services (Flex Affect), others have not been able to do so.

Some businesses continue to operate as normal and haven't seen a significant difference (many of our professional services and other offices). Other businesses are operating as normal with some necessary modifications with regard to the style of service and operating hours (Evans Jewelers, Oak City Collection, banks, most restaurants).

And others have found ways to adapt to serve their customers in a different way, like Suzanne Brewer Photography offering new products to celebrate high-school seniors.

Under the Oak Restaurant has made the most significant pivot, as they are accepting online orders for prepared meals that you take and bake, as well as offering local produce, in-house butchered meats, and desserts. People have said to me over the years they wished Downtown Smithfield had a small grocery store, a butcher shop, and a farmers market. Under the Oak has granted that wish.

We're also seeing business owners who are taking this time to make improvements, like a fresh coat of paint on the walls at The Diner and new flooring behind the bar and in the kitchen at Simple Twist.

The support that our businesses are lending each other is also incredible to see, as business owners are reaching out to each other to work together and exchange advice, making an even more conscious effort to keep their business local, and even providing free services, like Simply Bliss Studio's recent photo shoots of some of the businesses in their block.

There are also new businesses working to open Downtown soon, including The Gilded Pear Brew House at 234 East Market Street and a salon and boutique on North Second Street (the business has not announced its plans yet) and others looking at available properties.

Everywhere you look, there's evidence of the businesses and people in our community pulling together to inspire and support each other, from beautiful window displays and musicians performing on street corners to the Town of Smithfield taking steps to help our small businesses and people donating to FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group), which has purchased food from local restaurants to feed front-line workers at Johnston Health and public-safety departments.

We've seen musicians have virtual concerts and collect donations to turn around and provide tips of several hundred dollars to restaurant employees. The community pride that's demonstrated by these efforts certainly have a ripple effect, and illustrates the idea that our community is in this together and we can get through it.

It has never been as important as it is now to support our locally owned small businesses. They constantly support our community --- by donating to non-profit organizations, sponsoring children's sports teams and programs (Sami's Pizza and Pasta has offered to provide free slices of cheese pizza to children who are in need), keeping money circulating in the local economy, and by making Smithfield the unique place that it is.

To learn more about keeping #SmithfieldStrong by supporting our small businesses, visit our website at www.downtownsmithfield.com>