While some businesses have recently reopened or are planning to reopen soon, physically going into a store may not be something consumers are comfortable doing right away. During this time of uncertainty, it’s extremely easy to see why people have turned to online shopping.
No one can deny the convenience of Amazon’s next day delivery, but the one-stop-shop isn’t for everyone. Across the country, Amazon’s supply chain has been struggling to meet the increased demand for online shopping. Furthermore, the moral implications of shopping through Amazon seem to grow more and more depressing by the day.
Throughout the increased pressure of the pandemic, the company faced accusations of unsafe work environments and retaliation against whistleblowing employees. Not to mention the fact that many workers don’t have paid leave. The list of complaints against Amazon is getting harder and harder for consumers to ignore.
Everyone is experiencing this pandemic in their own set of unique circumstances. For some of us, not much has changed except the view from where we call our office now. Life is trudging onward and sometimes that means needing to buy a new refrigerator or picking up a new hobby. If you are in a position to shop, spending money locally is a great way to help our entire community weather this storm.
Appliances
MidOhio ReStore
Habitat for Humanity’s MidOhio ReStore is a great place to do some secondhand shopping. You can view the products they have for sale on their Facebook page, that way you can go into the store with a plan. They frequently have a variety of refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers.
Kid’s stuff
Cub Shrub
Cub Shrub has such a fun collection of apparel, games, and toys for the kiddos. Staying home more doesn’t have to mean more screen time. It may just be time to bust out the puzzles, memory games, and other delightful goodies you can find at Cub Shrub. In addition to online shopping, Cub Shrub also has curbside pick-up available.
Naturally Curious Kids
From arts and crafts to educational toys, Naturally Curious Kids has everything you need to keep your little one entertained while they’re learning from home. Local delivery is available throughout the week and you can also shop online.
Nicole’s For Children
Kids seem to never stop growing and if you’re hoping to keep your little one in the most freaking adorable clothes, you’re going to want to do some shopping at Nicoles For Children. You can only shop online currently, but you can follow along on Facebook for updates on when the store will be open again.
Electronics
Micro Center
For those out there working and studying from home, having a place like Micro Center in Columbus can come in pretty darn handy. They’ve literally got everything you need to make your home office the most efficient. You can order online, or visit the store. You’ll need to wear a mask in the store and you can read more about Micro Center’s COVID-19 guidelines here.
Midwest Photo
Midwest Photo is my go-to place for all things camera related. They seriously have your photography, videography, audio, and lighting needs covered, and you can do all of your shopping online. They’ve also got free shipping on all orders over $99, which always feels like such a steal to me.
Gaming
King Makers
If there’s one thing I know for a fact it’s that everything is better with board games. King Makers is such a gem and right now, they’ve got all sorts of customer-focused deals. The experts there will help you make the perfect game decision and will even put together a game kit based on your budget. You can do your shopping online here.
Guard Tower
Guard Tower is such a nostalgic place for me personally. I used to stop in there with my dad who played a lot of Dungeons and Dragons (he’s why I’m a nerd) but this shop isn’t resting on former glory. It’s one of the most consistently recommended shops from local gamers and they’ve got a great selection. You can do all of your shopping online, but don’t worry if you don’t see what you’re searching for. All you have to do is ask, and the Guard Tower will figure out how to special order it for you.
Grocery
Bexley Natural Market
You can order your groceries online through Bexley Natural Market for curbside pick up. The online ordering system isn’t glamorous, but it is effective and a great way to get the natural products you’re searching for.
Yellowbird Foodshed
Yellowbird Foodshed works with over 100 food growers and producers from Ohio and they’ve got tons of options, from fresh produce to meat and dairy to traditional grocery items. Once you order your food via their website, there are two ways to get your items. If you live within delivery routes in Central Ohio, you can have your goods delivered right to your front porch. If not, you can schedule a pick-up at a participating location. Get all the details here.
Weiland’s Market
Weiland’s Market has been serving the Columbus community since 1961, and they have continued to do so throughout the pandemic. Right now, they’re asking customers to wear face coverings while visiting the store. If you don’t have your own mask, you can purchase a locally made mask at the store when you enter. They care about their customers and their employees and it’s a great place to shop guilt-free. You can get more info about Weiland’s here.
Crafting & Sewing
Dabble & Stitch
I’ve spent a fair amount of my time at home exploring my crafty side. It hasn’t always been a success, but I’ve had tons of fun creating new things, and places like Dabble & Stitch are a great resource. They’ve got all the info you’ll need, whether you want to make your own mask or sew some new curtains to brighten up your space. Local Curbside pickup orders are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and you can shop online here.
Sew to Speak
Get your stitch on with a little help from Sew To Speak. When I say they have everything you’ll need to get started sewing, I mean it. They also have a ton of resources on how to craft your own face masks. You can start shopping here.
Home Decor
Elm & Iron
Not being able to go in and aimlessly wander around Elm & Iron feels like a punishment, but trust me, it’s just as easy to get lost in the joy on their website. If you’ve moved recently or you’re just looking to spruce up your home, please do yourself a favor and take a gander at the incredible furniture, lighting, wall decor, and accessories up for grabs at Elm & Iron. You won’t regret it.
Happy Go Lucky Home
Happy Go Lucky’s home collection is so fantastic. There’s an eclectic selection of goods, from ceramic vases you didn’t know you needed to inspirational wall hangings. Everything is bright, colorful, and fun, which is the breath of fresh air we could all use right about now. You can shop online here or you can schedule a private shopping appointment to head into the store and look around.
Trove Warehouse
Trove Warehouse is offering both online shopping and appointment only shopping. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on the website, you can reach out online and Trove will do their best to help you find it. This is anecdotal, but I swear, if you’ve been searching for the perfect accent furniture, you have to look at Trove. I’ve never been let down. Start shopping online here.
Plant & Garden
Strader’s Garden Centers
Something about this stay-at-home period has begun slowly turning my husband into his father. Suddenly, every day has a new project around the yard. Strader’s is a fantastic garden center where you’ll be able to find everything you need to transform your outdoor spaces. Online shopping isn’t available and customers coming into the greenhouses are expected to practice social distancing. To find your nearest location, you can visit the Strader’s website.
Oakland Nurseries
If online shopping is your jam, then you really can’t beat Oakland Nurseries. First of all, they always have great sales, which I think we can all get behind. Second, they make the process as painless as possible by confirming your items before you head out to pick them up. Oakland has also been offering some fun virtual content, from streetscapes to wreath-making classes. You can start shopping here.
Stump
You can’t have a conversation about plants in Columbus and not mention STUMP. It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting into plants or if you’re an experienced plant mom… STUMP will have something that intrigues you. STUMP is offering curbside pickup or local delivery (orders over $120). You can start browsing here.
Pets
Mutts & Co.
Having my dogs has honestly been one of the highlights of all of my time spent at home. If you feel like your furbabies could use an extra treat or two, Mutts & Co. is the place. They’ve got all of the dog and cat goodies you could ever want, plus they’ve got free shipping (orders over $49) and free curbside pick-up. You can start spoiling little Fido right here.
The Dog Stop
From Doggie Daycare for those of you out there who aren’t working from home to a pet retail boutique, The Dog Stop is a one-stop-shop for all things pup related. The facility is taking additional precautions to provide a safe, clean environment for your fur babies, so you can rest assured that they’re in good hands while visiting. To get more info about the goods and services offered from The Dog Stop, you can visit their website.
Books
The Book Loft
The Book Loft is a Columbus icon and if you’re adding some new items to your home library, you should definitely consider ordering them online here. The Book Loft’s physical store is currently closed to the public but they are offering curbside pickup from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. in addition to online orders.
Gramercy Books
Due to COVID-19, Gramercy Books is closed to walk-in traffic but you can still shop online or by phone (614-867-5515). With curbside pickup and free shipping (orders over $25) until May 31, there’s really no excuse not to treat yourself to that new crime novel you’ve been wanting to read. Get started shopping here.
Prologue Bookshop
The physical store may not be open, but Prologue Bookshop is alive and well online. You can find a new literary adventure, pick up a new game for the kiddos, or snag a fun puzzle. Search their online store here.
Want to see more Independent Bookstores In Columbus.
Clothes
Homage
Is there anything more comforting than the feel of an Homage t-shirt? I don’t need to tell you how fantastic Homage’s inventory is, so instead I’ll just let you get lost in their online store. Pro tip: If you love their t-shirts as much as I do, you’ll probably want to invest in a couple of their masks.
Vernacular
Vernacular has a wonderful selection of women’s apparel, as well as accessories, shoes, and more. Right now, they’re offering free pick-up from their Grandview location or you can choose to have your items delivered when ordering online. If you want to go into the store, you can, but it’s by appointment only. Get all the details here.
Tigertree
Tigertree is the perfect place to do the shopping for the whole fam. They’ve got both men and women’s apparel, as well as stuff for the kiddos through Cub Shrub. You can do all of your shopping online and Tigertree is even offering contact-free pickup Monday-Saturday. That cart isn’t going to fill itself, people. You can get started here.
