Bold Commerce today announced the launch of its all-new buylocal.ly online directory and platform, which is designed to quickly and easily connect businesses in local markets with consumers. Buylocal.ly was created amid the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to help local restaurants and stores let their community know that they are operational, along with business hours, pickup and delivery instructions, location information, and business category. The free directory makes it easy for residents of any city throughout North America to shop at and support local businesses.
In just a few steps on the buylocal.ly website, businesses can register and create a free listing to add their store, service, or restaurant to the online directory. Consumers that visit the buylocal.ly website can search for nearby businesses through a broad city search, or by narrowing down the local area based on their address, postal code or zip code. They can further narrow their search results by category such as restaurants, retail, and health. Users can also filter their search to only show businesses offering curbside pickup, delivery, or dedicated hours for senior citizens.
Following a soft launch in Winnipeg this past weekend, the platform saw more than 500 local businesses creating listings in the directory, which includes information on delivery and pickup services available and how to place orders amid government requests for people to shelter-in-place and practice physical distancing. Bold will continue to add new features daily as adoption grows across the continent.
“We heard loud and clear from our customers and others in the local community that there was a growing need for a consolidated and go-to resource that would help both businesses and consumers quickly and easily discover restaurants, shops, and services that remain operational amid the pandemic,” said Yvan Boisjoli, CEO and co-founder of Bold Commerce. “Over this past weekend, while we were still iterating and testing the platform ahead of today’s official launch, we saw thousands of visitors to the website, a clear indication that local residents are indeed looking for ways to continue to shop locally and do their part to help keep businesses going in the community.”
“Winnipeg is an amazing place, knowing that people and businesses like Bold Commerce are creating and executing ideas like buylocal.ly,” said Bobby Mottola, Managing Partner of Academy Hospitality, and President and Owner of Pizzeria Gusto. “This platform helps keep our staff working and allows us to continue making food, which in turn provides comfort and normalcy at the dinner table for our guests.”
”The last few weeks have been the most trying times for me since starting my florist business almost 20 years ago. Flowers are always part of special occasions, from weddings to funerals and the little moments to just brighten your day. Celebrations and memorials have changed as we know them. Family can’t attend the special moments they have always been a part of,” said Julie Myers, owner of Floral Fixx Design Studio, reflecting on the sudden contrast to how her business has operated for decades. “I’ve had so many touching phone calls from people trying to share their emotions through the gift of flowers when they can’t be there in person. The buylocal.ly site will help me connect with customers that are looking for a beautiful way to brighten the day of a loved one, friend, colleague, or employee.”
“I’m in awe of the resilience of entrepreneurs that have adapted overnight to the impact this pandemic has had on their business and on the lives of those around them,” said Boisjoli “I’m hoping that this tool will help communities throughout North America come together to support each other during these difficult days.”
Any local organizations, Chambers of Commerce, or others looking to use buylocal.ly for community initiatives can contact Suzy Bodiroga at suzy.bodiroga@boldcommerce.com.
