On a regular summer day, The Spice & Tea Exchange’s door is open wide, with the aroma of spices, herbs, and teas inviting new and returning guests inside. Guests not only see the array of goods, but they enjoy smelling, touching, and sampling snacks, teas, seasonings, and more.
With the arrival of COVID-19, the shopping experience had to change. Smelling, touching, and sampling would be on pause. Exchange owner Elizabeth Eldridge watched her small business neighbors make the tough choice to close. She met with her close-knit team to understand everyone’s individual needs during the pandemic. With the team in mind, Eldridge shifted her business model to keep the doors open with reduced hours, delivery service, and increased safety measures.
Hearing guests say “Thank you for being here, I’m so glad you’re open,” reminded Eldridge of why she went into business in the first place. Humbled by community support, The Spice & Tea Exchange team began to pay it forward, providing gift bags for the Hospice of Anchorage and thanking first responders and healthcare workers for their service through a successful $25 gift card and donation program.
Eldridge places The Spice & Tea Exchange’s ability to weather this storm on her team. She calls them rock stars for their positive attitude, flexibility, and dedication to their customers.
The Spice & Tea Exchange is shifting towards more regular business hours again, and guests will soon find new displays that safely reintroduce the delicious scent aspect of the spice and tea shopping experience. Follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on new products, collaborations with local coffee roasters, and great recipe ideas like tea-infused ice cream.
The Spice & Tea Exchange is open for in person shopping, curbside pickup, or store-to-door delivery. Call (907) 222-4832, visit them on Facebook, or at spiceandtea.com/anchorage.
This web story is sponsored by our partners at the Alaska Small Business Development Center.
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