Great question. From vintage stores, to dive bars, and even bowling alleys, Williamsburg is chock-full of places that maintain the fabric of the neighborhood.
Being a Brooklyn-based startup, we know how important it is to support the livelihoods of local artists and businesses we love, particularly during this time of economic hardship.
In a recent survey of 233 Brooklyn small businesses, 53% reported they would have to struggle to stay open during the next three months.
If you have the means, here are some ways you can support the businesses on our tour:
- Beacon's Closet: A temple of pre-loved clothes, Beacon's Closet has new protocols in place to help you buy, sell, and trade clothing safely. You can shop in-person or online, in addition to checking out the list of charities that they support.
- The Gutter: After temporarily closing again, the Gutter recently reopened for drinks and their hours are Thursday-Friday 4-11pm and Saturday-Sunday 12-11pm. You can also donate to their GoFundMe page in support of their staff.
- Brooklyn Bowl: Though temporarily closed, you can support Brooklyn Bowl by making a donation to their staff relief fund or buying gift cards for future use.
- Artists and Fleas: The marketplace has reopened on weekends with new safety guidelines in place, and you can also support the vendors through online platforms.
- National Sawdust: While their traditional programming is on hold for now, check out online performances at Live@NationalSawdust, and help them support artists in need by making a donation through their Match for Music: Double Your Donation program.
- Marsha P. Johnson State Park: Not a business but a park on our tour, this space was renamed to honor an important figure in the Stonewall uprising of 1969 and a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front. To further support Marsha P. Johnson’s legacy as a champion of LGBTQ+ rights, you can donate to the Marsha P. Johnson Institute.
In addition to the stops on our tour, we also encourage you to support these Black-owned businesses in Williamsburg:
- Celsious: Theresa and Corinna Williams are changing the laundry experience with their eco-conscious laundromat! You can drop off your laundry following their safety measures or shop their eco-friendly garment care products online.
- Sweet Science: Check out Sweet Science's takeout & delivery food and cocktails menu! They're open Tuesday-Sunday from 2-8PM.
Supporting local businesses is especially important during COVID-19 but should also extend further than this. Find ways to incorporate shopping locally into your regular routine!
