Restore Chester County
Economic Action Steps — Retail
Retail establishments vary in size, with a small number such as grocery, big box, and construction goods remaining open during all of COVID-19 as essential businesses. Businesses which remained open implemented safety procedures which resulted in increased expenditures, and faced difficulties in hiring employees. Inconsistent supply of PPE, lack of access to affordable employee childcare, unpredictable shifts in customer purchasing behavior, and competition with corporate online retailers are all challenges faced by many small and mid-size retailers.
Current Retail Business Practices
The following practices are being implemented by retailers around the county and nation to address COVID-19-related disruptions. These practices may be helpful for retailers not currently using them.
- Pivot toward online sales by investing in e-commerce infrastructure.
- Coordinate with other local businesses to offer home and curbside delivery services.
- Work with local press outlets to publish stories about safety measures that have been taken.
- Provide services by appointment only.
- Utilize contactless authorization and payment methods.
- Invest in marketing to overcome customer avoidance.
- Engage customers consistently with digital content including virtual events.
- Expand employee break areas to ensure proper distancing.
- Limit the number of customers allowed within the facility.
- Provide loyal customers with an appreciation gift or value added service.
- Provide hours with no customer interactions with employees for non-customer service tasks.
Actions to Support the Retail Industry
The following actions by governments, economic development organizations, trade organizations, and others would provide support to the restaurant and bar industry during the current COVID-19 crisis.
- Provide technical assistance with e-commerce, social media/marketing, business adaptation, COVID-19 testing and safety guideline compliance.
- Provide regulatory assistance with relaxing service and parking/loading restrictions.
- Provide signage to assist small operators in enforcing COVID-19 safety compliance among clients.
- Facilitate a safety 'self-certification' program that features consistent branding and signage.
- Facilitate bulk purchasing of PPE for distribution to small operators.
- Connect unemployed population with hiring opportunities in the service sector.
To see recommendations for other industries, click on the industry link below:
