Local businesses to stay open for shoppers
Ashley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Now, more than ever, it is important to support the local businesses that are owned and staffed by our community's neighbors, friends and families.
These businesses support more than just the owners, and choosing to shop local – even amongst these difficult times – can help boost the local economy.
Many of these businesses offer gift cards or gift certificates – want to support a local barber shop but don't want to sit in a barber chair at the moment? Inquire about purchasing a gift certificate to use at a later date!
Shop local, stay local, support locals.
Christine's Barber Shop
Local beauty parlor and barber shop, will remain open.
Christine's Barber Shop is located at 230 W. Washington St., and can be reached at (850) 997-4767.
Johnson's Barber Shop
Local barber shop, owned by Justin Johnson, will remain open.
Johnson's Barber Shop is located at 135 E. Dogwood St., and can be reached at (850) 933-6868.
Monticello Hairlines
Those looking for a trim can still use the salon services of Monticello Hairlines. The parlor does advise that for the time being, they are by appointment-only.
Schedule your appointment or inquire about services and prices by calling (850) 997-8302.
Monticello Hairlines is located at 285 E. Washington St.
Sister of Soul Beauty Salon
Receive your beauty needs at the Sister of Soul Beauty Salon, located at 105 N. Jefferson St.
Hours for the beauty salon can vary, so patrons are invited to call in advance to ensure that the salon is open.
Schedule an appointment or check hours by calling (850) 242-3414.
Red Hot Vapors
Red Hot Vapors, with your vaping and e-cigarette needs, will remain open.
The shop is open Tuesday-Friday, from noon to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. Until 5 p.m.
Red Hot Vapors is located at 247 N. Jefferson St.
Walk-ins are welcome, but patrons can also call (850) 997-8273 for information on inventory.
Oh Happy Days
Oh Happy Days gift shop will be closed.
Soulshine Vintage
Soulshine Vintage will be closed.
Traditions Embroidery
The local resource for business, school or organization embroidery, as well as home decor, gifts, banners and signs, will remain open.
The embroidery and gift shop is open Tuesday-Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Traditions is located at 140 W. Washington St., and can be reached at (850) 510-2657.
Two Old Men
Two Old Men will continue selling their home décor and furniture, but may close up shop should business slow.
Before stopping in and shopping, give the business a call at (850) 997-1611 to ensure they are open.
Two Sisters...New Beginnings
The gift, craft, home décor and accessories shop will be closed.
Unique Expressions
Unique Expressions, with Monticello's locally-sourced gifts, accessories and home décor, has closed its shop to the public. Patrons can continue to support the businesses, however, by calling in orders or purchasing items from Unique Expressions' Facebook or Instagram (@UniqueExpressions185) pages.
Orders may be picked up from the shop's location at 185 E. Dogwood St.
Call for more information or to place orders at (850) 997-3044.
Victoria's Boutique
Ladies fashion and children's apparel can still be purchased from Victoria's Boutique. The shop will continue to offer their open hours of 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Victoria's will, in addition to their regular store hours, offer online orders from victoriasclassyboutique.com, curbside order pickup, personalized appointments and senior time shopping hours.
Victoria's Boutique is located at 151 N. Jefferson St., and can be reached by calling (850) 997-2522.
Lady with a Past Tea Parlor
Lady with a Past Tea Parlor and vintage fashions will be closed.
Vintage Treasures
Vintage Treasures, with Monticello's assortment of vintage and antique furniture, home décor, accessories and art, will continue to be open.
Vintage Treasures is open Monday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The antique and vintage treasures shop is located 110 E. Dogwood St., and can be reached at (850) 997-1520.
Wag the Dog Thrift Store
Wag the Dog Thrift store will be open upon availability of volunteers.
The thrift shop, which funds the Jefferson County Humane Society and Wolf Creek Pet Adoption Center, is located at 155 N. Jefferson St., and can be reached by calling (850) 997-2416.
Gellings Floral Design
Gellings Floral Design, Monticello's source for floral arrangements, live plants and event florals, will remain open, albeit with some small adjustments.
The Gellings shop front, located at 190 E. Dogwood St., is now closed to the public, but patrons can call-in orders for curbside pickup or delivery.
Gellings is open Monday-Thursday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Place your floral order by calling (850) 997-2015.
Robinson Gunworks
Robinson Gunworks, a custom firearm repair, refinishing and manufacturing shop, as well as an indoor gun range, will remain open.
The business is asking anyone who has been in contact with a potentially-ill individual to remain home, rather than visit the shop.
Robinson Gunworks is located at 705 S. Water St., and can be reached by calling (850) 556-9698.
The shop's hours are Tuesday-Friday, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Trophy Creek Outfitters
Trophy Creek Outfitters, Monticello's outdoor equipment, fishing and hunting shop, plans to remain open, and has been deemed one of the essential businesses that will have permission to remain open even amongst a COVID-19 shutdown.
Trophy Creek Outfitters is located at 165 W. Walnut St.
The outfitters' hours of operations are Monday-Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Jefferson Farmers Market
Garden-fresh fruits and veggies, local honey or orange juice and more can be bought at the Jefferson Farmers Market, located at 690 E. Washington St.
The market does not plan to close.
For more information about what the market has in stock, call (850) 997-5965.
Full Moon Farm and Apiary
The one-stop shop for beekeeping supplies in Jefferson County plans to remain open, albeit with some changes to their storefront.
Full Moon Farm will continue to serve local beekeepers, but are asking locals who need supplies to call and arrange a pickup, rather than walking in.
The apiary will also still have honey in stock, which can be purchased from the farm's shop or from the Jefferson Farmers Market.
Call (850) 242-1579 to arrange a curbside order pickup; the farm's shop is located inside Tupelo's Bakery and Cafe, which can be found at 220 W. Washington St.
Monticello Milling Feed Store
Feed for animals, seeds, plants and farm supplies can be purchased from Monticello Milling, which is located at 500 S. Jefferson St.
Monticello Milling is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Gulf Coast Lumber and Supply
Monticello's hardware store will remain open, with no current plans to reduce hours or limit customer service.
Gulf Coast Lumber is located at 1400 S. Jefferson St., and can be reached at (850) 997-2519.
The hardware store is open Monday-Friday, from 7 a.m. until 5:30 a.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Monticello Health and Fitness
According to the order to close all gyms and fitness centers in the State of Florida, Monticello Health and Fitness will be closed. All memberships are being placed on hold.
Waukeenah Fertilizer
Did not respond to inquiring calls.
Crystal Nails
Did not respond to inquiring calls.
Seven things you can do right
now to support your local economy
Tami Lester
Contributor
With a lot of uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, not only are small business owners worried about the future of their establishments, but the servers, kitchen staff, bartenders and retail employees are concerned about how they will pay the bills in the coming weeks.
Before going home and becoming a hoarder, here are seven tips that will boost business in our local community.
Carry-out and delivery is still available for many restaurants: Use this time to take a break from cooking, or buying excess food that will spoil in a week. If you are well and decide to dine out, eat during off-peak hours. You’ll encounter smaller groups of people and help the restaurant stay steady.
Tip and be generous: After all, gratuity is just a fancy word for tip, but it implies gratitude as well. Be grateful that the servers are willing, and able, to show up to serve you. That extra tip may be the cushion during their bad times. Remember, leave a tip over the phone for any delivery person who is willing to come out and ring your doorbell. Gas isn’t free.
Buy Gift Cards: Purchase gift cards from your local restaurants or favorite boutique now and use them yourself later or keep them on hand for gifts.
Buy Local Produce: Farmers markets are great at providing the freshest produce to the community and during these times, they need our support.
Consider a Donation: If your income is not affected by the coronavirus pandemic, consider a donation to a local restaurant or business that could use it. The majority of restaurant workers live paycheck to paycheck and are being hit with losses in catering and regular hours. If you know your local restaurant workers, offer money for rent or childcare. Give a gas card or grocery gift card. Offer to shop for someone or share your over stocked household items and toiletries.
Donate to Your Local Food Bank: Donating to the local food bank will help out all of the folks dealing with a temporary layoff or shortened hours. The need will only increase as time goes on so keep giving.
Finally, Stay positive, Informed and Flexible: The event of this pandemic has activated our primal energy, bringing fear to the surface. As many feel a threat to their safety, daily life and wellbeing, others are feeling powerless about the uncertainty. Staying informed and away from the drama will send fear back where he belongs.
As a Life Coach, I will tell you that the negative energy can weaken your immune system. Focus on self-care, family, and gratitude for what is going right. The only way to deal with uncertainty is to be flexible. Finally, random acts of kindness are free. Find the blessings in everything and you will continue to thrive and impact the wellbeing of those around you.