It’s certainly no secret that the on-going coronavirus has affected nearly every segment of our daily lives, and to where even the smallest but no less important things we usually do need to be done either in a different way or at least with extra precautions.
All of this becomes even worse at this time of the year. When stores are stocked with Christmas gifts to fit anyone on your list, do you brave the crowds and do what you can to protect yourself or find other ways of avoiding that scene altogether? While it is a well-known fact that a large number of people go online with their gift list, stopping in at your local stores is also a good way to help them out. If you can’t find what you want, they would be more than happy to order it for you.
According to employee Nancy Schnell, everything has been going well at the Ben Franklin store. “We have had great response from shoppers after the color catalog we put,” she said. She further stated that, for the most part, customers have been good about social distancing and wearing masks. “We appreciate that,” said Schnell.
Jodi at Bomgaars said that traffic in their store has been good. “People are complying very well (with the requirements),” she further stated. “There’s a few that don’t, but for the most part it’s going fine.”
Jim at Christ Furniture stated that foot traffic in their store has varied based on the Governor’s announcements. “It scares people for a time, then it gets a bit more normal,” he said. Christ also said that customers are not coming in to just look around, but to buy and then they go again. “I think people are shopping more locally and not going to the bigger stores nearby due to the crowds,” he said. “We certainly appreciate them shopping local, as it’s a win-win for all of us.” Christ also said that people coming through his door have been extremely good about using masks and distancing. “I think with the uptick in cases, and again the Governor’s orders, they either have the mask on or they go back to their car to get it,” he said.
Ann Wilde at the Eagle Grove Greenhouse stated that business there has been okay. “It’s fairly acceptable,” she said. “The social distancing and mask wearing is going fine. Everyone has been very respectful of that.”
Unfortunately, for all of the positive comments received there has also been one business with a downside. “It’s definitely made a difference for us,” said Dawn Heiden at the Lewrights retail store. “We decided not to do our gift boxes for shipping out or picking up here this year. It was a big part of our business, and so it’s made a noticeable difference in our traffic.” She also said that people that are coming in are doing a good job of masking up and distancing.
Maybe this Christmas more than ever has made it a great time to support these and other local stores versus fighting through the crowds at the big box stores, especially when you don’t know who among them might actually have the virus. If you can, go in and check out what these places have to offer. You may find just the right gift for someone on your list, and the businesses will certainly appreciate it too!
