COVID-19 has made a huge impact on how Nova Scotians spend their days. With wearing masks, staying distanced, limiting contact with loved ones and limiting shopping, our daily lives have altered. With the ongoing restrictions for stores, small businesses in the area have been affected greatly. When you do go out to get your essentials, choosing between a big box store or a local one can make a huge difference for Halifax families. It may be the difference in whether we see many of these businesses survive the pandemic. Halifax would not be its cultured and unique self without the many small businesses we have. We have created a list of local businesses supplying essential items that you can support during lockdown to keep our local economy strong. Check them out!
Local Grocers
Local Source Market
Local Source Market is a Fresh Farm Goods Market & Bakery located on Agricola Street in the North End of Halifax. You can order their products online and schedule a pickup time to limit social contact and to follow local protocols!
https://www.localsourcemarket.com/
Organic Earth
Organic Earth Market is a Health Food Store & Grocer located on Quinpool Road in the West End of Halifax. They are currently open for in-person shopping, and you can place an order over the phone for curbside pick up if you are not comfortable going inside.
https://www.organicearthmarket.com/
Bedford Basin Farmer’s Market
Bedford Basin Farmer’s Market offers a wide variety of fresh, and local products in Bedford. They do not currently offer curbside pickup, however, they are open to the general public for in-person shopping. There is also a garden centre attached to this farmer’s market, so if you are doing some gardening during this lockdown, it's a one-stop-shop!
https://www.bedfordbasinmarket.com/
Arthur’s Urban Market
Arthur’s Urban Market is a gourmet grocer located on Hollis Street in Downtown Halifax. They are currently offering in-person shopping as well as same-day delivery. For the same-day delivery, you need to email or call in your shopping list. Details are on their site!
Local Pet Stores
Best Friends Pet Supplies
Best Friend Pet Supplies is a locally owned pet supplies store located in Hammonds Plains. They are currently only allowing 3 people in their store at a time, and also offer call-in orders that they can bring to your car so you can minimize contact!
https://www.bestfriendspetsupplies.ca/
Jolly Tails
Jolly Tails is a Dog Boarding and Pet Supplies Store located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. They are currently open for curb-side pick-up and in-person shopping. For curbside pick-up, simply call in and place your order!
Local Home Improvement
Happy Harry’s
Happy Harry’s is an Affordable Building Centre that is locally owned and located in Dartmouth. You can shop online and select "pick up in-store" for curb-side pickup, or shop in person!
Kynock Resources
If you are looking for topsoil, mulch, sand or gravel for outdoor home projects during this lockdown, Kynock Resources is a great local provider. Located in Hammonds Plains, they can do home delivery, and have COVID safety protocols in place to stay distanced and minimize contact.
Local Pharmacy
Compass Pharmacy
Compass Pharmacy is a locally owned company consisting of 7 pharmacies in the HRM. They all have an online prescription refill service for reduced in-person contact and offer in-person shopping as well. They are a great way to support local during the lockdown!
Nova Pharmacy
Nova Pharmacy is a locally owned Pharmacy in the South End of Halifax. They have an online shop, offer delivery to anywhere on the Peninsula and also offer in-person shopping!
https://nova-pharmacy.myshopify.com/
Family Drug Centre
Family Drug Centre is another locally owned pharmacy located on Portland Street in Dartmouth. They offer free prescription delivery, online prescription refill and in-person shopping!
Local Sporting Goods
The Trail Shop
The Trail Shop is an independently owned outdoor gear store located on Quinpool Road in the West End of Halifax. They offer online shopping, 5$ Delivery in the HRM, and virtual shopping, where you can speak with an associate over zoom if you have questions and need guidance on gear!
Cyclesmith
Cyclesmith is a local Bicycle & Gear Shop located on Agricola Street in Downtown Halifax. They are currently closed for in-person shopping but offer curbside pickup and online. Shipping within Nova Scotia is free!
Fishing Fever Fly And Tackle Shop
Fishing Fever Fly & Tackle Shop is a Fishing Gear Store, located on Barrington Street in Downtown Halifax. They specialize in all things fishing, are open for walk-in service, offer curbside pickup with orders placed over the phone and have an online store!
Local Craft Supply Stores
Yu Yo Craft Supply + Tea House
Yu Yo Craft Supply is a local craft store located on Lower Water Street in Downtown Halifax. They are currently only offering online order and curbside pick-up. You can subscribe to their newsletter for added coupons!
Deserres
Deserres is a locally owned craft store located on Barrington Street in Downtown Halifax. They offer online shopping, contactless pick up as well as home delivery. You can also call the store directly to place your order!
https://www.deserres.ca/en/halifax
Maritime Hobbie’s & Crafts
Maritime Hobbies & Crafts is a hobby shop that specializes in model kits located on Grafton Street in Downtown Halifax. You can place orders on their website or over the phone for home delivery or curbside pick up!
Atlantic Fabrics
Atlantic Fabrics is a sewing shop located on Woodlawn Road in Dartmouth. They are currently open for curbside pickup and delivery. You can place your order by email or phone, and they are offering free delivery in Nova Scotia to orders over $100.00!
https://www.facebook.com/AtlanticFabricsLtd/
and you know beer is essential to Nova Scotians so...
Local Breweries
Brightwood Brewery
Brightwood Brewery is a craft beer brewery and taproom located on Portland Street in Dartmouth. They are currently offering online shopping, window pick up and $4.00 HRM deliveries. You must order by 2 pm for same-day pickup!
https://www.brightwoodbrewery.com/
Rockhead Wine&Beer
Rockhead Wine & Beer Market is a local liquor store located on Windsor Street in the North End of Halifax. They are open for in-person shopping and curbside pick up! They are the place to stop for local spirits, wine and beer! They also deliver anywhere in Nova Scotia.
Ninelocks Brewing Company
Ninelocks Craft Brewery is located on Mic Mac Place in Dartmouth close to the historic Shubenacadie Canal. They currently offer curbside pickup and local delivery! Orders will be delivered the same day if ordered before 12pm!
https://ninelocksbrewing.ca/#welcome
We are sure there are many other small businesses still operating during this lock down, these are just a few that we could find which carry essentials. When you shop local, you are supporting Nova Scotia families and our province’s economy. We always need to buy the essentials, so why not help the community while you are at it!
If you know of any other local businesses that carry essentials and offer COVID safe shopping, let us know!
Andrew Perkins
902-488-0012
Andrew@andrewperkins.ca