#shoplocal

South students reflect on their thoughts and opinions about local businesses around Kansas City, and how they are going to continue to support them during this time.

Throughout the past few months, the Coronavirus pandemic has affected millions of people around the world. From students, to athletes, to grandparents and to small business owners, COVID-19 has changed the lives of many. 

Kansas City is home to a large number of small, locally owned businesses. The small businesses are a part of what makes Kansas City feel like home to many. Kansas Citians are doing their best to support all of those businesses during this arduous time.

“Although many restaurants have big chain names, many are individually owned and operated by local residents of KC. We can support our small businesses by choosing to still buy from them, even if it relies on non traditional methods like DoorDash,” Brandon Cuda, senior, said. 

Numerous local businesses have had to get creative in their ways of continuing to make money while still staying sanitary and keeping their customers and employees well being in mind. For a numerous number of people, this means turning to social media.

“I have been really impressed with the amount of social media and online presence these businesses have had. Without phones or social media most small businesses would be completely out of business by now,” Brooke Jones, senior, said. 

Despite their gallant effort to keep their business running, it is hard to know how long this will really go on.

“I worry for all small businesses around the world, not just in Kansas City. If this continues on for months and months, it will be really bad for a lot of people,” Kara Hagen, sophomore, said. 

Regardless of the daunting unknown, local small businesses have been taking it a day at a time, and trying to make the best of their situations. 

“All I have to say is stay home and shop local!!!” Hagen said.