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Date: 5/17/2022
EASTHAMPTON – A new Local Rapid Recovery Plan says online shopping is key to recovering from the next manmade or natural disaster.
The city of Easthampton and the Chamber of Greater Easthampton joined forces, using state funding to create a plan that helps local merchants survive by focusing on e-commerce — bringing their businesses online.
According to the chamber, nearly every business survived the pandemic, but it wasn’t easy. “Our businesses have a lot of grit. When you decide to open a business, you put so much of your heart, soul and life into that and I think there’s a lot of grit to that,” said Moe Belliveau, the chamber’s executive director.
Even as many businesses made it through the pandemic, merchants know they will have to do more than roll up their sleeves and work hard to survive the next disaster. They may have to rely on technology, specifically Internet shopping to attract customers who are not leaving their homes to shop.
“We were all faced with having to change the way we’re doing business. Commerce was happening online, but a lot of businesses didn’t have online capabilities. Those that had the resources were able to shift and fared better than those that did not,” said Belliveau.
Belliveau said the best way to safeguard local businesses and the city’s economy is to bring as many businesses as possible online. That’s why the Rapid Recovery Plan focuses so heavily on e-commerce.
“We know many merchants can’t afford to bring their businesses online, so we are offering an affordable way for them to do this. Online helps build a more consistent resiliency because change is not going to stop. It’s just going to accelerate at the rate that is happening already. We will have other disruptions and businesses will have to find ways to reach their customers. This is a response to that,” said Belliveau.
The chamber is using a $15,000 state grant to create a website that features and introduces visitors to Chamber members. Consumers will be able to click on their favorite businesses and shop online. Chamber members will be able to include their businesses on this website for free.
“It’s very important for all our members to have E-Commerce capabilities. Online shopping continues to gain momentum and build market share and that’s only going to increase,” said Belliveau.
Even though the program is free, merchants may lack resources to develop marketing plans, write material and take pictures of their merchandise. Belliveau said Chamber resources including the grant will help businesses over this hurdle.
Belliveau said she hopes at least twenty business join this program before the website goes live in June.
“There is a portion of businesses that really do need this, and I’ve had inquiries already,” said Belliveau. “I’m confident it will serve a need and fill a gap.”