Brookline’s CCMA & Chamber Deliver a Message: We're Open

By Celina Colby

Local businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19. Even with community support through online shopping and curbside pickup, many shops and restaurants struggle to get through this uncertain time. To bolster shoppers around local businesses, the Brookline Chamber of Commerce and the Coolidge Corner Merchant's Association have debuted a promotional video and a companion package of online resources to encourage shoppers and support owners.

The video, produced by Brookline Interactive Group with the help of Coldwell Banker Realty's Danielle Schlesier, features several Coolidge Corner business owners and the protective measures they have in place. The tag line "We're Open!" welcomes shoppers and community members into these safe spaces. Increased cleaning measures, hand sanitizer stations, mandatory facemasks, social distancing floor markers, and protective plastic dividers are all safety protocols shown in the video.

On the Brookline Chamber website, Brookliners can also find a crowdsourced list from Mutual Aid Brookline of local shops. The list includes contact information for each business as well as a statement from their team about COVID-19. "Now, more than ever, it's important to learn, enjoy and share music," wrote the team at Brookline Music School. "We are now waiving the registration fee for new BMS Online students during this stay-at-home time." Many businesses like Brookline Arts Center, Artbarn Community Theater, and Puppet Showplace Theater have requested monetary donations when possible to keep their organizations stable.

Some businesses, like the Bazaar International Gourmet restaurant on Beacon Street, have also put coupons and special offers on the Chamber site for customer reference. Other resources like a consumer survey about comfort levels shopping in person and workshops for owners about leveraging business strength during COVID-19 provide even more ways the community can gather information and develop future precautions.

Uncertainty underlies business in Brookline during this time. As colder weather and flu season approaches, many businesses are preparing for another potential shutdown. It's crucial for the community to shop small and support local business owners regularly to avoid losing beloved landmarks for good.

Debbie Good Miller, executive director of the Brookline Chamber, trumpets the local business community's cause, "Please support your favorite restaurants, stores, and service providers. Whenever you need a product or service, please explore local possibilities before making a purchase. Shop online or in-person. Share your enthusiasm on social media. #ShopBrookline now for future birthdays, anniversaries, and the holidays!"

Despite the challenges facing them, business owners in Brookline are enthusiastic about serving the public, no matter what PPE it takes to do so. The Commerce video opens with MaryLynn Pergantis, co-owner of Party Favors on Beacon Street, holding a beautifully decorated cake with the words "We're Open" on it in pink frosting. It ends with Steven Peljovich, owner of Michael's Deli, brandishing a sandwich in each hand and cheering, "Looking forward to feeding you!"

BrooklineHub.com is a 501C3 non-profit dedicated to reporting and commenting on life, culture and community in Brookline. As part of our mission, we advocate for non-profits vital in making this a better place to live, and by sponsoring and supporting events that promote community-building. We hold the belief that as a community, we should foster the well-being of all, remaining mindful of our young people, seniors, and underprivileged.