When you’re thinking about what to buy during the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s good to cast a wide net and ensure to include local businesses. Regardless of whether you’re looking for hard-to-find grocery products, “diversion” items, home improvement products or service providers, remember to “think local.” We can’t overstate the importance of supporting your neighborhood merchants to help keep Denver’s economy vibrant and diversified.

Tired of cooking and preparing three meals a day? Remember your neighborhood restaurants are especially strained during this time. Many have had to furlough employees and need your assistance to stay afloat. Check around your region and support stores that could benefit from your business.

Frustrated with the lines and hassles at the big grocery stores? There’s probably a local market or butcher nearby that can help fill your produce, meat and essential needs in a calm, less crowded environment. They may even deliver!

And don’t forget people in the service industry who are still available to assist with your needs. Whether you’ve been postponing a home repair need or delaying a long needed home improvement, now is a good time to enlist the expertise of these professionals.

Below are just a few Usaj Realty suggestions of businesses that provide exceptional merchandise and service, and would appreciate your patronage.

Tattered Cover

Here’s the bad news: Due to Denver’s stay-at-home mandate, curbside service has been suspended. But here’s the good news, the Tattered Cover is still filling and shipping online book orders. Reading a good book is one the best activities in which to engage your mind, especially when you’re sequestered in your home. Take the time to improve your mental health, learn something new and expand your vocabulary. Serving the Denver community since 1971, the Tattered Cover is an independent bookstore and cafe with locations across the metro area.

Red Lark Boutique

Serving the Park Hill community and greater Denver metro area, Red Lark is open for online shopping. Check out their unique and stylish products that are perfect for your home or as a treasured gift. Locally owned and operated, this boutique is sure to have that one-of-a-kind item that will brighten your day.

Berkeley Neighborhood Businesses

Small businesses operate on very small margins, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for many of these establishments. Gift cards are a tremendous way to provide these businesses with the cash flow that they need to stay operational now while giving you the chance to take advantage of their services when life returns to a state of normalcy. With this campaign, you have the opportunity to buy a $25 gift card from participating businesses in the Berkeley neighborhood, and help keep the community the thriving and vibrant place we’ve come to love.

Stanley Marketplace To Go Program

Although the marketplace itself is closed, many of the Stanley Market restaurants continue to operate and provide delicious food curbside. Several of the businesses also offer delivery. Check their Facebook to discover the establishments that are open and ready to take care of your food cravings. Despite the stay-at-home mandate, the identified restaurants are still considered an essential business, providing food to the community.

Bigsby Folly

This eclectic winery in RiNo is offering curbside service. Bigsby Folly has a large selection of craft wine and some great deals. Check out their Facebook page for the latest information.

Capsule Denver

Since you’re already spending all your time at home, you may as well make your environs as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Offering trendy furniture and home accent pieces, Capsule Denver is open by appointment for furniture viewings and will ship any small home accessories for free. Check out their Instagram stories for new inventory and latest design trends.

Oliver’s Meat Market

This iconic meat market has been family owned for five generations. Located in the Country Club neighborhood, Oliver’s proudly serves the Denver community with fresh and gourmet food products. Just a few of the delicious items include signature Boar’s Head deli meats, fresh soups and sauces, Bluepoint Bakery offerings, fresh and frozen poultry and seafood, USDA choice and prime beef, sausages, and gourmet food. If you’re planning a special dinner and Oliver’s doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they are happy to make an order and have it to you quickly.

Marczyk Fine Foods

With two locations, 5100 E. Colfax and 770 E. 17th Ave., Marczyk Fine Foods is ready to serve. Since 2002, this locally-owned neighborhood market has been serving people who love food. Specializing in fresh meat and seafood, local and seasonal produce, a full-service deli and an in-house bakery, this market  provides high quality food and superb service. Be sure to check out their homemade frozen soups and stews, and the wide assortment of charcuterie.