'BoroughsNotBezos': Brooklyn builds Amazon for local businesses

Brooklyn has launched a new startup that provides New Yorkers with an alternative to shopping on Amazon. Platform Shopin.NYC offers products from local companies for sale.

Shopin.NYC is similar in principle to Amazon, but only works with small businesses in Brooklyn to grow local businesses and save money in the community.

The website brings together over 100 Brooklyn businesses and promises free day-of-order delivery for purchases. New buyers are offered a $ 10 coupon for registration.

Woods Grove Gift Shop at Carrol Gardens is one of the businesses that trade using this platform. The owner says sales have dropped due to the pandemic, but cooperation with the platform has allegedly revived trade again.

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“Every year, half of all holiday purchases come from gift cards, mostly Amazon gift cards,” said Maya Komerov, co-founder of ShopIN.nyc. “That kind of money doesn't matter to a big corporation like Amazon, but to a small business, it’s what allows you to pay rent and feed your family. ShopIN.nyc and our gift cards will help keep that money in the community and ensure it reaches the people who really need it. ”

Shopin.NYC co-founder says they are working to expand to cover all areas of the city, but so far, the platform is only partnering with stores in Brooklyn.

“Team members and volunteers work hard every day to help more stores connect and educate more people about this opportunity. If there are stores in your area that you would like to see on the site, please let them know so that we can help them, ”she said.

On social media, the online retailer's team uses an eloquent hashtag #BoroughsNotBezos.