Local shops were digesting Gov. Eric Holcomb’s new directive allowing retailers to re-open Monday at half-capacity, as Indiana slowly gets back to business.
“We had customers say, ‘We can’t wait to come back in,’” said Jaci Cox, owner of In His Time Books & Gifts, which plans to resume in-store hours Monday. Like other businesses, the bookstore remained open for curbside pickup during the stay-at-home order.
Beginning Monday, essential travel restrictions will be lifted, allowing local non-essential travel for the first time since March 24.
Businesses that may reopen include retail and commercial business, including those that have been open for the necessities of life during previous executive orders, may operate at 50% of capacity. This includes apparel, furniture, jewelry, flowers shops, liquor stores, etc. that have been operating as curbside or delivery only. Shopping malls have also open at 50% capacity.
Personal services, such as hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, spas and tattoo parlors will remain closed, and may reopen on May 11 by appointment only with operational limitations. Restaurants and bars that serve food may also open on May 11 at 50% capacity with operational limitations. Bar seating will remain closed with no live entertainment.
Employees of businesses must wear face coverings, workstations must be spaced to meet social distancing guidelines, and other requirements must be met. Customers are urged to also wear face coverings.
“We’ll be cautious because [the virus] is very real, this is very dangerous and very scary,” Cox said.
With Mother’s Day approaching, 3 Pink Poppies Boutique will allow customers to shop by appointment next week as the store decides whether to re-open with limited hours.
“We’re going to try to ease back into hours of operation instead of opening right back up,” owner Jennifer Fry said.
Not all businesses were ready to let shoppers back inside just yet.
As of Friday afternoon, Milligan’s Flowers & Gifts did not plan to re-open the store, but will continue curbside pickup and accepting Mother’s Day orders.
Simpler Times customers will still be able to stock up on home décor from the curb, though owner Jackie McBride said she was leaning toward not re-opening right away.
Businesses took advantage of the pause in foot traffic to deep clean the stores.
“We’ll just continue to keep everything wiped down and sanitized,” McBride said.
