Digital commerce companies offer local relief from COVID-19

There are some inspiring examples of how localized digital commerce can help retailers reach consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have been heartened to see how many e-commerce retailers and technology providers are working to combat COVID-19 on a national basis. However, there are also a lot of local efforts that attract less attention, but are no less valuable or praiseworthy. Here are three examples.

ToGoDenver.com
Although Denver recently issued a “stay at home” order, metro Boulder and Denver residents can still order takeout and home or curbside delivery of food and beverage (including alcohol) from nearly 650 restaurants and breweries. Visit Denver (the official city marketing organization), Boulder Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Eat Denver (a local restaurant non-profit), and the Colorado Restaurant Association have collaborated to create ToGoDenver.com.

This free online resource for Denver and Boulder offers restaurants that remain open for takeout and/or delivery service during the current dine-in shut down free registration to list their current home or curbside delivery and takeout services available. Consumers can search listings by restaurant name, by neighborhood or by cuisine.

NebraskaBuyLocal.com
Payment processing technology provider Sandhil Global, the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA), and the Nebraska Retail Federation (NRF) have jointly launched a new website to support local Nebraska businesses during the pandemic. The new site, NebraskaBuyLocal.com, provides consumers across the state with an opportunity to purchase gift cards and gift certificates from local and independent businesses.

There is no cost to businesses for posting their gift cards or gift certificates for sale on NebraskaBuyLocal.com. Businesses can visit the website to sign up, and proceeds from all gift cards sold on the site go directly to their business accounts. Nearly 100 businesses have already signed up to use the site.

FoodMaven
FoodMaven, an online distributor of oversupplied, out-of-spec, and local food to restaurants, universities and hotels, recently started offering drive-through and delivery bulk grocery in Colorado. FoodMaven temporarily opened its inventory to consumers. Offerings from FoodMaven include Colorado-grown products like potatoes, shallots and grains, as well as frozen chicken and beef. Items are packaged in bulk and have wholesale pricing due to the foodservice focus of FoodMaven’s business.