With 2020 behind us, we took the time to look back on the success of the Supporting Oxford website and digital marketing campaigns encouraging local spending in Oxford County. Along with our partners at Tourism Oxford and Rural Oxford Economic Development Corp., we are pleased to share this report with you.
In March 2020, businesses began choosing to close in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Shortly after, non-essential businesses were mandated to close to the public. To serve their customers and remain viable, many businesses quickly adapted by offering delivery, curbside pick-up and online ordering. This was a new (and fast!) pivot for both businesses and consumers. In an effort to better connect consumers with the new ways businesses that were operating, Supporting Oxford was launched as a simple listing of businesses in Oxford County. Listings included information about how the businesses were adapting to serve their customers. On March 17, the website launched in less than 24-hours with support from Community Futures Oxford, Tourism Oxford, Rural Oxford EDC and The Social Factory.
The listings were initially limited to businesses with a physical location closed to the public and/or operated within tourism, food service, hospitality, retail, or service-based offering gift certificates. As the holidays arrived, the listing also included online stores based in Oxford County. There are currently more than 300 consumer-facing businesses listed on the website.
