Village News launches OpenDoorMall.com for local businesses

This week, Village News has launched a new e-commerce site, http://OpenDoorMall.com to help local merchants weather the storm with COVID-19. The marketplace is available 24/7, allowing anyone to shop Sunday, Monday or after midnight. There are presently over 20 stores with more joining daily.

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has affected many local businesses and restaurants. They have been as flexible and adaptive as possible under current safety guidelines. Local retail shops have stocked their shelves and are decorating to get ready for the holidays, even with reduced numbers allowed in their store.

“The best thing Fallbrook and Bonsall residents can do is actually visit local merchants, even if it is just to say ‘hi!,’” Julie Reeder, publisher of the Village News, said. “However, after talking to our customers, we decided the best thing we could do to help was to build and promote an e-commerce site. Whether their doors were open or closed by the governor, people could still support local shops or purchase gift certificates. And who doesn’t love a gift certificate from a restaurant or retail store?

“Even after COVID, some people might enjoy ordering something locally from the comfort of their living room just to support local retailers. Maybe it would be a nice gift to send an avocado and local honey gift box to relatives out of town, or some handcrafted soaps. This allows you to purchase from local merchants no matter the time or day.

“OpenDoorMall.com features the businesses of Fallbrook and the surrounding areas, including retail, art, books by local authors, restaurant gift certificates, clothing, scarves, soaps, creams, Christmas ornaments, coats, pajamas, jewelry, etc. We hope to be adding new vendors weekly. It is a one-stop shop for shopping locally,” Reeder said.

OpenDoorMall’s motto is “Supporting Main Street over Wall Street.”

Customers can order items for delivery, local pickup or curbside service.

Local businesses are encouraged to visit the site and sign up for free to be a vendor through the link at the top of the homepage.

Alternatively, vendors can reach out to [email protected] to have Village News/Reeder Media set up their store within the site.

Laci Dontain can be reached by email at [email protected].