As States Open for Business, a New Survey Finds the Majority of Americans Feeling More Optimistic, Looking to Support Small Businesses

With all 50 states beginning at least some form of a partial reopening this week, Americans are starting to feel more optimistic about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and look forward to supporting their favorite small businesses once they’re open for business, according to a new survey by local experiences marketplace Groupon. The study of 2,000 people found that 67% of Americans are more hopeful now than when the crisis first began and 75% plan to support local merchants as much as possible once restrictions on non-essential businesses are lifted in their communities. Restaurants, retail shops, clothing stores, salons and spas and bars are expected to be among the first places people spend their money once it's safe to do so.

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A Groupon study of 2,000 people found that 67% of Americans are more hopeful now than when the COVID-19 pandemic first began and 75% plan to support local businesses as much as possible once restrictions on non-essential businesses are lifted in their communities. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The study, conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Groupon, showed Americans have already been going out of their way to back small businesses–– 86% of people have supported a locally owned business during quarantine and 57% know of at least one establishment affected by lockdown restrictions. Some of the top ways people have showed their support during quarantine include:

• Taking an online class or participating in a virtual experience offered by a local merchant (77% of respondents)
• Booking summer “staycations” - revolving around activities that are close to home and keep their kids entertained (65%)
• Ordering more takeout and delivery from local restaurants (60%)

According to the National Federation of Independent Business, 92% of small businesses have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. To help support local merchants during these unprecedented times, Groupon launched the #HelpSaveLocal initiative to aid local businesses in need and better position them for a speedy recovery. Some of the ways Groupon has put its passion for supporting small businesses and the communities they serve into action have included partnering with Fundera to help merchants secure emergency SBA loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, lending support to Stand for Small a coalition by American Express and a growing group of companies focused on providing small businesses with resources for navigating the current environment and collecting donations from customers worth more than 650,000 meals for communities in need through a partnership with Feeding America.