Local businesses are the heart and soul of Portland. Throughout this challenging time, they have showed us how innovative, resilient, and flexible they are. Our local business community has been there for us, so let's show them our gratitude by choosing to buy local .

We know it can be tempting to just put everything in your Amazon cart and hit "Purchase," but shopping locally ensures that more money (nearly 70% of every dollar!) stays local. Plus, you might just see a friendly face smiling behind a homemade mask when you swing in to grab your curbside goodies. And that is something you can't put a price on.
Need a ready-to-wear mask or the materials to make your own? Z Fabrics has you covered! Ever since Portland's Stay at Home order began, the team has been working "behind the curtain" sewing masks, cutting fabric, and shipping packages near and far. Curbside pickup at their new location at 558 Congress Street is also available. Special shoutout to the "Z" team for helping Amy, our Program Director, find a replacement light bulb for her sewing machine! 
Mainers know that Renys has pretty much everything. Most locations – including the downtown Portland store at 540 Congress Street – are now offering curbside pickup 9:00am-4:00pm Monday through Saturday. Simply place your order over the phone, and enjoy "no contact" pickup.
Located in the heart of the Old Port at 115 Middle Street, The Corner General Store is open every day – inside or curbside – until 1:00am. They carry essential sundry items, as well as local treats such as canned craft cocktails from  Maine Craft Distilling  and Whoopie Pies from  My 3 Sisters Italian Cookies
This shop has been a long-time favorite for new, vintage, consigned, and locally crafted goods for guys and gals. The Material Objects Facebook Page is frequently updated with photos of the latest merch. You can place your order over the phone (or through FB Messenger) and pick it up at 500 Congress Street.
Quarantine is the perfect time to catch up on good reads. Longfellow Books is offering curbside pickup 1:00pm-3:00pm Tuesday through Friday. Shipping is available, as always! 
Let's face it: quarantine is also a good time for...chocolate! The makers at Dean's Sweets are still hard at work – every day – creating fresh truffles, caramels, buttercreams, and more. Shipping, curbside pickup, and free delivery (within 10 miles) is available.
FIZZ Ed for All Ages? Yes, please! From cocktails to mocktails to fizzology for kids, Vena's is now offering online mixology classes through Zoom. Fun, creative, and educational (not to mention delicious).
We can't wait to check out Mexicali Blues' new location at 219 Commercial Street. Until then, you can add color & pizzazz to your spring wardrobe by shopping online. All domestic orders ship for free.
Sometimes, a cup of tea makes everything better. Dobrá is opening this weekend for takeout only Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Order online starting Saturday.
While its Exchange Street shop remains temporarily closed, Gus & Ruby's online shop is a treasure trove of future letters to your loved ones. Check out the adorable "Quarantine Collection" for messages like "not all heroes wear capes," "I can't wait to hug you again," and "keep home and Fauci on."
As downtown gradually reopens, we will be sure to keep you up-to-date with the latest news and information. Stay safe & healthy, Portland!
All photos are borrowed from individual businesses' social media channels.