Adapting to a Changing Environment…
Hi all
You might have heard by now that Nike and Apple among many others are temporarily closing their stores. It’s fair to ask why we at [store name] aren’t doing the same.
Our Community Commitment
There are many differences between our store and the big box chains—differences that you celebrate every time you shop with us. The one that matters most is that we’re a part of this community. We’re paying close attention to the national conversation but we remain committed to making decisions based on the up-to-the-minute needs of [TOWN OR NEIGHBORHOOD NAME] specifically.
Safety Measures
Right now we’re confident that we can properly manage the risks of staying open. Sick team members must stay home. Those who feel well don’t have to come in. We’re cleaning constantly limiting the number of visitors and asking everyone to maintain their distance (6 feet at least as per the CDC).
This almost certainly makes [STORE NAME] a safer place to shop than the grocery store Walmart or Costco. We can keep it that way precisely because we’re a smaller independent business.
Customer Reactions
This choice has already led to mixed reactions and we get that. Some customers are thrilled to have a place to go for some normalcy. Others feel that we’re being irresponsible. For now we are doing everything we can to keep our store safe. We welcome anyone who feels safe being here to come on by.
Thank you as always for your loyalty patience and friendship.
SIGN OFF
Store’s Decision to Stay Open Amid Closures
While major brands like Nike and Apple are closing stores a local store is choosing to remain open emphasizing its commitment to the community and implementing strict safety measures to manage risks. The decision has received mixed reactions from customers balancing between providing normalcy and concerns of irresponsibility.
“We’re a part of this community… making decisions based on the up-to-the-minute needs of [TOWN OR NEIGHBORHOOD NAME].”
Real-World Examples of Community-Focused Business Decisions
Here are some real-world examples of businesses that have adapted their operations to better serve their communities during challenging times:
- A local bookstore in Portland decided to remain open with reduced hours and implemented curbside pickup to ensure customers could still access books while minimizing contact.
- A neighborhood coffee shop in Austin offered free delivery within a five-mile radius to support the community’s need for social distancing while still enjoying their favorite beverages.
- A small boutique in Brooklyn chose to host virtual shopping events where customers could browse and purchase items online with the option for local delivery or safe in-store pickup.
