Local businesses are finding new ways to reach customers

With the majority of local businesses and services having sadly closed their doors for the foreseeable future, many are coming up with novel ways to continue to connect with and offer services to their customers – and often that involves taking things online.  

Sandra Griffin of Rinka, which provides children’s fitness programmes, has been reaching out to the children who normally attend classes across the Midlands by posting daily live ‘workout’ videos aimed at young children. The goal, she says, is to help keep children healthy and active while staying at home.

“We are doing everything we can to bring positivity and energy into the homes of our families during these trying times. We understand the feel-good factor associated with exercise and we believe we all need it now more than ever!” says Sandra.

With the help of her son AJ, the daily videos are attracting a large audience and positive feedback, with the online Rinka community almost doubling in the past week. “We will be launching a full online programme of activities to help keep kids active and motivated over the coming weeks, and are so grateful to all the families tuning in to participate daily,” she adds.

Martin Ward and the team at Na Fianna Martial Arts and Fitness Centre are also hosting live Zoom classes for all their young students. 

BGR Fitness, which normally runs a fitness bootcamp in Athlone, has created a Facebook group to live-stream workouts every evening. The first class was held last night (Wednesday) with 100 people taking part, and the business raised €600 for the Irish Cancer Society in the process. 

"We hope that we can generate positive energy, improve health and have some fun," says owner Ben Gary. 

Meanwhile CrossFit Croí have given out equipment and are doing daily online home programmes, along with setting up groups for clients to support each other and stay motivated. 

Alison Hogan Pilates have launched a live virtual studio continuing to offer their full timetable via live stream. 

"I am inspired by the generosity and kindness of so many in our community and I too would like to help support, give you an outlet and some respite from the stress you are currently facing. As of Monday front-line staff can access three dedicated classes free of charge each week," says Alison. 

Tina Kiernan of Love My Hair and Keara Lennon of Face Brow Bar are also offering free services to front-line staff. 

Many local retail businesses are offering postal deliveries. Burgess of Athlone is offering to post, deliver or arrange collection of items from the shop to customers who ring with their requirements. Bastion Gallery posted a notice on Facebook stating it would do its best to accommodate customers either by phone or via their online shop, while Glasson Craft Gallery is also taking orders by phone. Athlone Fuel Centre is offering free delivery services outside of Athlone so all those who are elderly or vulnerable are able to keep warm, while Lawlor's Hair and Beauty Salon is offering Mother's Day vouchers and hair products online. Kim's Chic Beauty Rooms are also offering customers the opportunity to purchase vouchers, which can be paid for by card and posted out. 

And of course many of the major supermarkets, as well as smaller outlets such as Walsh’s Centra in Connaught Street, Horan's Pork Shop, and Lennon's Fruit and Veg are offering home deliveries for customers who are unable to get out to the shops.

While the majority of hotels, bars and restaurants remain closed, a limited number are providing a takeaway service. Kin Khao Thai Restaurant is among the Athlone eateries remaining open for takeaway only, offering the option of collection or delivery, while Beans & Leaves are offering a pre-order, pick and collect service. Bastion Kitchen has reopened as a takeaway and grocery store only - customers are asked to please call first to place their order so it will be ready to collect. Free coffee is available for front-line staff. 

Nini Direct Catering in Glasson is taking freezer food orders for family meals, desserts, cakes, and special orders for Mother's Day. 

Lest we not forget our furry friends, FURever Pets in Roscommon is still trading with reduced hours and a two-person limit in the shop to allow customers to pick up food supplies for their pets. 

All libraries are closed, but Westmeath County Library and other branches are offering a range of services online. These include the RBDigital app which allows library users to access magazines for free using their library card number, and BorrowBox, which allows members to access both eAudiobooks and eBooks online.

With schools closed, many local teachers have also been offering assistance to students or parents in need. Several primary and secondary school teachers posted on social media in recent days outlining their subjects and expertise, and offering help to any parents who are looking for help with understanding work that has been assigned to schoolchildren.