New direction from Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday includes the reopening of car dealerships and retail statewide, with some conditions.
Car lots and retail are open by appointment only, and no more than ten shoppers can be inside a retail store at one time. This does not include essential places like grocery or hardware stores.
But from Macy’s to Nordstrom Rack, to family-owned stores, the ten-person rule applies.
“It definitely affects the bigger stores a lot more than our smaller retail members,” said Meegan Holland with the Michigan Retail Federation. “I think it’ll almost be business as usual for the small retail stores.”
Holland likens the appointment mandate to a walk-in at a barber or hair salon, which, still aren’t open under this new directive.
And even then, Holland says you may still find yourself waiting in line as businesses adjust to this new retail normal.
Landsharks, an apparel company that’s been a fixture in downtown Saugatuck for decades, has been getting creative in the absence of business approaching their busiest time. Owners David and Casey Lokker have been documenting their drop-off orders on Facebook Live and Instagram, not so much for the business, but for the smiles.
“One day Dave looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to put on my shark costume’ which was just this old Halloween costume we had,” said Casey. “So I said ‘I’m going to put mine on too!”
Landsharks, an apparel company that’s been a fixture in downtown Saugatuck for decades, has been getting creative in the absence of business approaching their busiest time. Owners David and Casey Lokker have been documenting their drop-off orders on Facebook Live and Instagram, not so much for the business, but for the smiles.
But they’re ready for their customers to come back to them.
It’s been a good way to stay relevant, and Landsharks has partnered with other businesses and local organizations to promote shopping local, and to donate socks and other clothing items.
“We’re very optimistic,” added David. “There’s ground to be made up, but we’re looking forward now and we’re grateful that we’re going to get the chance.”
It came right in time. Landsharks says they make 60% of their revenue during the summer-months, and say the number is higher for some other Saugatuck businesses they know.
Businesses will still be required to provide their employees with personal protective equipment, and Landsharks has taken the extra step of getting some for customers who forget to bring one. They’ve also ordered sneeze-guards.
It came right in time. Landsharks says they make 60% of their revenue during the summer-months, and say the number is higher for some other Saugatuck businesses they know.
Businesses will still be required to provide their employees with personal protective equipment, and Landsharks has taken the extra step of getting some for customers who forget to bring one. They’ve also ordered sneeze-guards.
