Stores nationwide are rolling out online sales to keep afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re looking to do some retail therapy while at home, start with locally owned shops.
Our local brick and mortar shops are quickly adapting by bulking up their online and social media presence. Although gift cards are a fabulous option to buy now and use later, I’m guessing these stores would also like to move some of their inventory.
Let’s show up and make it look like Small Business Saturday—on steroids.
Here’s how you can shop local retail at a distance:
223 Vintage & Co
223 Vintage & Co, located in West Branch, just opened earlier in March. Shop online to help support local makers and this brand-new business.
Barre3 Iowa City
Check out our local barre studio’s Instagram stories for apparel for sale. Purchases will be dropped off at your front door.
Catherine’s Boutique – Iowa City
Shop online for free shipping and a discount code. Go to Instagram for featured pieces and even request a FaceTime appointment to see items.
Dulcinea
Watch the Dulcinea Facebook page for items to purchase. The store will ship for free or deliver locally.
Fired Up Iowa City
Entertain your kids (or yourself!) with a pottery project. This company will provide pottery and glaze for you to pick up and return for firing. Leave a contact number through Facebook or by calling 319- 339-0679 to learn more.
Glassando
This local jewelry store is still shipping! Bonus: use the code FREESHIP at www.glassando.com for, you guessed it, free shipping.
The Haunted Book Shop
This book shop has hundreds of jigsaws puzzles to help you pass the time (and of course books!). Watch the Facebook page for items to order by phone or email order, to then be picked up or delivered in the Iowa City area.
Hydrangea Bloom
The Tiffin-based florist has bouquets, plants, and virtual workshops
Kae Apothecary
More items from this Mount Vernon store are being added to the website for purchase. Products can then be picked up, delivered, or shipped.
Mix Home Mercantile
This North Liberty-based home goods and interiors business is offering free local delivery and 15% off for registering on their website.
M.C. Ginsberg: Objects of Art
The local jewelry store is offering free local shipping and curbside pickup. You can shop via FaceTime or photos on Instagram or Facebook. Email [email protected] or [email protected] with any questions.
Prairie Lights Books
This downtown shop is now offering curbside pick-up. Call 319-337-2681 to arrange, or order online and add “curbside pickup” to the comments field when you check out.
Radiant Boutique by Rhi
Virtual store tours and personal styling tips on all items will help you shop safely but smartly at this Coralville boutique. Free shipping is always offered. Call 815-343-7032 to schedule.
Rebel Rose Boutique
Shop online for apparel, accessories and more and then get your purchases via porch pickup or contactless delivery.
Revival
Shop through the website and on social media. FaceTime is available for a more personalized experience. Free local delivery or curbside pickup (and discounted shipping!).
The Shop Iowa City
More inventory is being added online so check out this small business’ website.
Sidekick Coffee & Books
Sidekick can send books, puzzles, games, and toys directly to your home! Call 319-569-1010 to place an order over the phone.
Ten Thousand Villages Iowa City
This downtown shop is offering social isolation kits. $50 includes an assortment of hand selected items to brighten your experience. Curbside pick up or free delivery within Iowa City. Call 319-519-2104 to order or ask questions.
Velvet Coat
You can shop via FaceTimes, photos on Instagram, or staff selection. Free ground shipping is offered. Email [email protected] or [email protected] or DM. This shop is also selling quarantine care packages, great as gifts — or for yourself.
