Experience Downtown Blog

MKE It Work: Inspiring Milwaukee Business Pivots

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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way businesses operate. While everyone is safer at home, organizations must find new ways to reach customers. This unprecedented environment hasn’t stopped Milwaukee businesses, however. Using social distancing as an opportunity to grow, many Milwaukee organizations have successfully risen to the COVID-19 challenge. Here are some inspirational business pivots taking place in Milwaukee now. 

Local boutiques and shops in Milwaukee are doing their best to remain connected with customers. Staying engaged on social media, the Historic Third Ward’s Mainstream Boutique has been using gift card giveaways and Facebook Live to keep customers excited. On Facebook, the boutique features live shopping experiences where clothing is showcased virtually for customers at home. Numerous other storefronts have transitioned to online shopping by shipping products or selling gift cards. Find a list of other businesses with online options here.

Milwaukee startup washbnb—originally founded to assist rental hosts with linens—is now a wash, fold and deliver service for personal laundry. The startup recently implemented a “pay what you can” option for those most impacted by the pandemic.  

The Milwaukee Ballet is also incorporating positive changes by using its costume department to make masks for community members. Even though spring productions have been canceled, the Baumgartner Center for Dance remains focused on how to best provide for others. 

Other performing arts organizations in Milwaukee are making great pivots too, like Renaissance Theaterworks, whose performance of ACTUALLY is available online for $15. The Milwaukee Repertory Theater and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra now offer virtual performances for viewers everywhere as well.  

Many Milwaukee fitness centers have joined the virtual party by transitioning to online classes. Brew Fitness, Eleven Pilates and Planet Fitness are just a few centers that currently have at-home workouts available on their websites. To hear more about online fitness options in Milwaukee, click here.   

Museums of Milwaukee are finding ways to make the most of social distancing. The Milwaukee Art Museum has a webpage devoted to online content, which includes virtual tours and recordings of curators discussing current exhibitions. MAM After Dark continues April 24 with a virtual pajama party. There will be live music, trivia, prizes and other exciting activities.

For those interested in supporting the food industry, Milwaukee Food Tours is now offering Shelter-in-Style kits. There are a variety of kits to choose from and each one includes goodies from local vendors, like Usinger's sausage or popsicles from Pete’s Pops. Customers can purchase a package for themselves or send one to someone else as a gift. Virtual tours are also included!

Meat on the Street is making a successful pivot with its kamayan, or Filipino feast, take home-trays. After an in-person dinner event was cancelled, Meat on the Street quickly turned it around by making its feast available for people at home. For more information about upcoming Meat on the Street offerings, click here. 

Scratch Ice Cream is another business that has made significant changes amidst the safer at home order. Scratch is selling Quarantine Care Packages that are available for pickup or delivery. Packages are completely customizable with the choice of 6 pints of ice cream and 18 par baked cookies. 

Oak & Shield Gaming Pub has gone beyond typical delivery options by offering Heat & Serve Trays, which can be delivered to even further distances. The gaming pub also offers a Barrister Personal Shopper concierge service where customers can receive jigsaw puzzles and board games along with their food. 
 
These businesses and more are doing what they can to serve the community. As customers, employees or business owners, we can best support one another by responsibly adapting to this changing world. It all starts by making positive choices to help each other out.   
 

About the author: Claire Barten is Milwaukee Downtown's Special Events & Marketing Intern, spreading Milwaukee Downtown's community ideals through social media and other engaging platforms.