Does your company rely on serving customers at your place of business? While the stay-at-home order remains in strict effect as directed by Governor Edwards, certain retail shops may continue limited operations under specific guidelines.
Retail is considered a “Critical Sector” by CISA, and therefore allowed to remain open. However, Governor Edwards’ executive order temporarily closed some retail subsectors considered “commercial facilities”. Under that order, amusement parks, entertainment venues, personal grooming businesses, and malls may not open in any capacity.
Any businesses not covered by the guidance from the CISA and not ordered temporarily closed by Governor Edwards’ order may continue to operate in a reduced manner and under strict safety guidelines.
Here are suggestions on how to maintain sales while keeping your staff and customers safe:
- Business owners may operate out of freestanding stores. While offering services is prohibited, stores may sell products to customers, provided they limit public and customer interaction.
- Limit any gatherings to fewer than 10 people. Social distancing practices must be enforced where any number of people are gathered.
- Staff must follow all safety procedures such as cleaning protocols and personal protection standards (gloves, masks, barriers, etc).
- Transactions must be carried out with little-to-no personal interaction. These methods are encouraged:
- Online Advertising and Sales
- Curbside Pickup
- Contactless Payment
- Delivery
- Shopping by Appointment
- Add your business to the KeepBRShopping.com directory. This free online business directory allows retailers greater visibility amid the crisis and provides shoppers access to interact with retailers in ways that follow health and safety protocols.
- Leverage technology like StreamShopper, a platform that allows for two-way live streaming between retailers and customers to facilitate real time shopping, helping to ensure that safety is the top priority.
Your company’s HR manager likely also has guidance available. BRAC is regularly updating brac.org/recovery with resources and guidance related to COVID-19. BRAC is committed to helping our local business community. Reach out to our team with questions.
Elizabeth Walker
As the Policy and Research Project Manager, Elizabeth Walker provides leadership on initiatives and policies, project management, research analysis and administration for initiatives that advance BRAC’s annual policy agenda.