Stores to Support

It’s safe to say that everyone has been affected by COVID-19.  While we  face our own troubles during this time, we must come together to support one another. As the pandemic surges and restrictions constrain operating hours, small businesses continue to suffer. Supporting small businesses is one way consumers can help our community overcome this health crisis. That is why we’ve compiled a list of great brands and restaurants to support, and we encourage you to check them out! 

Online Stores:

1. 35mmcamerashop on Depop

Depop is an app designed for anyone who wants to sell their clothes and accessories. Tons of wonderful brands have blossomed from this platform, one of which is a shop that sells cameras! 35mmamerashop has film and digital cameras and is a verified seller. With a sold number of 2,973 cameras and counting, 35mmcamerashop is a shop you can trust. They even test all cameras before listing them.  You can find them on the Depop app and Instagram at @35mmcamerashop. 

2. Gang Young

There are tons of independent small brands on Instagram, but Gang Young has  popped up more recently, and rightfully so. Gang Young’s product line includes dresses, sets, tank tops, sweaters, and more. The store’s designs are unique and honestly just pretty. You can find Gang Young on Instagram at @wegangyoung. Their website is shopgangyoung.com.

3. Brainstorm

Redecorating bedrooms to fit a certain aesthetic has become a fad during quarantine. Brainstorm is an online store that sells really cool posters, prints, puzzles, and other items to spice up your room! They have science prints, earth prints, maps, and more. You can find them at @wearebrainstorm on Instagram and wearebrainstorm.com!

   4. Overtone

You may have seen ads for Overtone on Instagram. Even though Overtone  isn't a tiny business, its hair products are awesome. The store has semi-permanent hair dyes (for all different hair types) that are vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. You can find Overtone at overtone.com and @overtonecolor on Instagram.

Restaurants:

1. Joloff

Though we are not able to travel physically during this time, experiencing other cuisines can transport us mentally. Joloff brings visitors a taste of Senegal, right in Brooklyn. Through the national Senegalese dish, Tiebou Jeun, or a taste of some delicious Beignets, the Joloff Restaurant will make you feel you have traveled all the way to Africa, while staying safe and being only a few minutes from home. Come get a taste of their delicious food at 1168 Bedford Ave.

2. Bilao

This Filipino restaurant run by first responders has been a welcoming spot for customers during these troubling times. Grabbing a bite of delicious Chicken Curry, Pork Adobo, or Palabok at Bilao not only broadens Filipino culture but also supports the first responders that are keeping our community healthy. This restaurant is located at 1437 First Avenue and 75th Street.

Other Small Businesses:

1. Annie & Company Needlepoint & Knitting

Annie & Co offers everything needlepoint and knitting. From various yarn patterns and fibers to countless thread colors and needlepoint themes, this store has got it covered. This pandemic has left plenty of us stress and bored. Taking up knitting would be a great quarantine activity! Stop by the store at 1763 2nd Avenue SW Corner of 92nd St. & 2nd Ave!

2. Planted Low-Waste Market

Planted Market, a low-waste market, aspires to create a cleaner environment by reducing the use of unnecessary plastic. They encourage customers to bring their own containers and to shop for bulk pantry and personal care items. Visit this store at 331 Smith Street to invest in a more eco-friendly lifestyle.