The past several months have been a rollercoaster for small businesses nationwide, as shop owners, entrepreneurs, and companies pivot into the unforeseen to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic fallout.

Downtown Eau Claire and its unique, multi-faceted business culture are certainly not immune to that either. But smart, conscious support for local shops could mean the world to a business just try to keep its chin above water …

Smart, conscious support – that’s the mentality behind Downtown Eau Claire Inc.’s (DECI) new #Root4EC initiative, which hopes to inspire folks to shop downtown with intent, purpose, and safety so that downtown businesses can thrive during – and well after – the pandemic.

The faces of owners behind some of your favorite downtown Eau Claire businesses are peppered throughout a campaign video produced by Hookd Promotions and Ivy Media, which wordlessly encapsulates the personalities and spirit of togetherness that permeates the local business community.

“We all built our downtown into what it is today and together we can help it continue to grow,” DECI’s website reads.

The bounce-back campaign outlines four key components for shopping and spending responsibly:

1. Plan ahead to confirm mask/distancing requirements and adjusted shop hours.
2. Be safe and healthy: mask up, social distance, and keep others safe from spreading the virus.
3. Consider curbside pickup or shopping online (most spots have that option).
4. Be kind – to staff and customers alike – because we’re all navigating this together.

“Remember to treat each other as if we depend on one another to get through this⁠,” the website says. “Because we do.”

And for some added incentive, folks are encouraged to visit their favorite downtown shops, snap a photo, and tag them on social media with the hashtag #Root4EC for a chance to win $50 gift cards from various DECI members.

To learn more about DECI’s #Root4EC campaign, visit their website.