QUESTION OF THE WEEK
As the owner of a retail business, how have you adapted to all the directives and guidelines as you re-opened last week?
We spoke Joan Nubie, owner of The Treasure Chest in Oxford. The store, which represents 26 local artists, features artwork, jewelry, and gifts.
Joan Nubie: After the shutdown, I created an online store, which has been quite an undertaking because I’m doing it myself, photographing items and listing them. I’m really trying to beef up my social media presence by showcasing the products that I have in the store to get it out to Oxford and the surrounding areas.
Since re-opening, I have moved my counter to the front door so that I can manage capacities if necessary, as well as make sure people are wearing masks. I’ve also removed display tables from my store to open up walkways for easier social distancing. I have a hand sanitizer station when you walk in the door and have been doing the additional sanitizing of high touch surfaces as recommended by the CDC. I have the appropriate markings on the floor to show 6-foot distances. The only thing I am doing, which I really didn’t anticipate is that I am continuing to offer delivery or curbside pick-up for those people who don’t feel comfortable coming into the store setting. I’ve offered to shop ‘their way.’ Whether they want a private appointment after hours or a FaceTime call or online at my website, they get to decide how they want to shop.
