With a heavy heart, I’ve decided to temporarily close the Peachtree Street storefront. This has been a difficult decision, but has been made with the best interests of my family, customers and community in mind. This is, undoubtably, a challenging time for everyone. But, this is temporary and in supporting each other, we WILL pull through! In the meantime, I will be conducting some Facebook Live sales and I can take orders via direct message. We can even arrange FaceTime shopping appointments! Curb side pick-up can be scheduled as well as local delivery options. Shipping of select items will also be available! I am going to miss seeing your faces in person, but everyone’s health and safety is the number one priority. Stay tuned for more details on these programs and other events…I have a few more ideas!
I posted this message on my social media outlets late Monday afternoon, then I flipped the sign on the door to CLOSED and cried. I couldn’t even explain why I was so upset. Disappointment? Fear of the unknown? Relief? I had been deliberating this move for about a week. Day by day, the government was implementing more and more restrictions, and yet, the decision to close my little shop was mine. I know that many other small business owners have struggled with the same emotions. Some are determined to stay open until they are told to shut down, others are already going through the motions of filing for bankruptcy because sales are at historic lows.
Do you close or stay open? With everything else that goes along with owning a small business, there isn’t a clear right or wrong answer. As owners, we can only do what we feel is best. For me, that is being realistic about the risk of exposure to my family and the amount of sales generated by people walking through the door to the shop. I have chosen to eliminate that particular vulnerability and concentrate on best serving my customers, utilizing virtual experiences.
I have a lot of late nights ahead of me, implementing all my ideas and turning them into actions. Although it sounds like a lot of work (and I know it will be) I feel more at peace right now than I have in over a week. I now have a plan. I am able to take care of my family and my business. Don’t get me wrong, my stress level is at an all time high. But dare I say, I am a little excited about getting creative and trying new things?
So, keep checking back with the blog and/or follow the shop on social media. Shoot me a message and let me know how you are. We are all effected in one way or another by this pandemic, but know that you aren’t alone and I would love to hear from you. Until next time, stay safe, be healthy, wash your hands and don’t forget to smile.
XOXO~ Anne
