Today the ban on non-essential stores being closed was lifted, and many of our downtown merchants happily threw open their doors to let customers back in. While there are still many restrictions like masks, capacity, and social distancing in place, it was nice to make one small step back to what our new normal will be.
Butter & Velvet, Sisters, and Shoe & Sneaker Barn, among others, were welcoming customers today, and several stores that are typically closed on Mondays (Dash of Thyme and Faith & Begorra, for example) opened up as a show of support for their fellow store owners. That’s what a community is all about.
As plexiglass partitions go up and store capacity comes down, the stores will face many challenges as they navigate how best to operate their business during these unchartered territories. Many will still be selling their wares online, in addition to in person sales, and look forward to an upcoming summer season. Do seek out their social media channels on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with new store schedules, promotions, and more. Additionally, Two Girls Media has updated their retail directory with store information.
Today also marks the reopening of outdoor dining, and you’ll notice many of our restaurants putting out tables and colorful umbrellas and getting ready to serve customers in a whole new way. More on that to follow later this week.
As always, our downtown is only as good as its support, so do what you can to welcome our retail and restaurants back into the fold, and continue to eat, shop, and discover your local community.
