SHAWANO, WI- WTCH spent much last week visiting with downtown businesses as they prepared the process of reopening shortly after the State Supreme Court’s decision allowed for the “Safer At Home” order to expire.
While some businesses were ready to open fully, others had to take a slower approach.
“We have to start with reduced hours,” said Mark Bolin of Bolin’s Speedy T’s.
Chelsea Gilling of The Stock Market said they originally had scheduled to close out last week with reduced hours but decided to go back to regular hours right away.
“We have missed you customers so much and we have been merchandising like crazy.”
Some businesses like Body Essentials took the down time to focus on online sales and also do some upkeep on the store.
“While were were closed, we remodeled and repainted the entire store with fifteen gallons of paint,” said Christa Hansen, Co-Owner. “It is going to be beautiful and wonderful for you when you come back in.”
Martin Jewlers spent the first days just getting their supplies back in their cases.
“It has been locked up in the safe,” said Heather Pahl of Martin’s Jewlers. “We are excited to roll out some new programs and get people back in the door.”
The store owners say safety is still their top concern as they welcome people back.
“We are open regular business hours and are mindful of the need for social distancing and keeping our store very clean,” said Bob Dumke of the Cobbler’s Closet.
COVID-19 has led to many of the downtown business owners learning some new ways to get product in the customers hands. Many of them said online sales can offer challenges but it may just be a sign of new times that we are going to. Body Essentials is one of the businesses that will continue some of those same practices.
“You can do curbside pickup as well as our take it home, try it, love it, buy it, so you can be in the comfort of your own home and still stay cute and safe,” Hansen said.
Most of the business owners we talked to said they will still meet people curbside for pickups and work with them because they want them to feel safe.
“Whatever works best is what we will do,” Hansen said.
One of the other challenges comes with supplies and getting new shipments. Some businesses say that it is a challenge to know how much ordering to do and if this return to normal will stay.
“We are happy to have the ability for people to try things on in store once again and we have tons of new merchandise that we just got in so we are excited to show it off,” said Amy Drews of Tumbleweed. She says they are ready for summer with some of their tops and they have apparel for Memorial Day.
For some like Martin Jewlers, the timing is perfect. Heather Pahl says this is wedding and engagement season so she is glad that people will be able to come in and get their rings custom made.
The Stock Market spent their first week back as fully open by highlighting Father’s Day and lake decor.
All business owners we talked to said it will take a little bit for things to get back to the way it used to be. Many are expecting busy days this week as people are anxious to get back inside the stores.
The Shawano BID and Shawano Country Chamber says the most important thing for people to remember is to be patient, curtious and understanding of people during this transition phase.
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