Some businesses in Downtown Guelph opened their doors to the public for the first time in over two months as part of Phase 1 of the provincial government’s plan to reopen the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On a quick scan of part of the downtown on Tuesday, most shops were still closed to the public or were only offering curb side pick up or open by appointment only, but a few small businesses were allowing customers in the front door.
Simply Wonderful Toys at Paisley Street and Norfolk Street has remained open for curb side pick up during the pandemic, but on Tuesday was allowing customers into the store for the first time in two months.
The store had been doing brisk business in items used to help pass the time, like puzzles, games and Lego, said owner Michelle Lamont. Many customers were also picking up wrapped presents for children having birthdays in self-quarantine.
“We wanted to be here for customers and they appreciated it,” said Lamont. “Because they can’t come in, it was getting them those basics. We don’t have a web site, that’s our challenge as well, so it’s just been them calling in and us walking them through what we have.”
When the provincial government announced on Thursday that businesses could reopen May 19, Lamont and her husband had only a few days to decide whether to further open the store to foot traffic.
“We were kind of already going, so we just thought we would do it. It’s not like our store is crammed like a grocery store anyway,” said Lamont.
The store is allowing only a few customers in the store at a time, has the aisles marked for one-way traffic and are asking people coming inside to practice physical distancing.
“I think by now people know the rules,” said Lamont.
Curb side pick up is still available to any customer who prefers it.
Pond’s Foto Source on Wyndham has also been offering curb side pick up for the past two months, as well as offering online photo processing.
Manager Stephanie Smith said the company has seen many large orders for photo processing, possibly because people have more time to organize their photos or work on projects like putting them into albums.
“I would say some people were doing some catch up with 500-print orders and things like that,” said Smith.
When word came on Thursday that stores could open on May 19, Smith said the store was ready, with plexiglass screens at the cash registers and one way traffic markers on the floor. Only a few customers will be allowed in the store at any time.
“We were ready. I have been working on it for about six weeks,” said Smith. “Just before Mother’s Day I came in and started rearranging the store.”
Staff members are wearing face shields to protect themselves and customers and Smith sourced professional-grade surface cleaner for the store.
She said the store sold a surprising number of cameras during the last two months. Anyone looking to purchase one will have to set up an appointment to avoid excessive contact.
Guelph Music on Carden Street opened its doors on Tuesday morning, with one-way traffic through the showroom.
Owner Darren Young said limits on occupancy and physical distancing will be enforced and noted that curb side pick up is still available to those who would prefer it.
Play with Clay owners Mario Gonsalves and Nina Kapuscinska were on the cusp of launching a new concept to their business, which included having customers come in to a second space for clay and art projects while serving food and alcohol. Then the pandemic hit.
“We were in the extreme final stages of getting our building permits and liquor license and we already had approval from the health department and fire department,” said Gonsalves.
“When that gets back up and running we will be able to apply for a liquor license and then occupy two spaces at a really bad time,” he said with a slight chuckle.
Gonsalves opened the store Tuesday to allow customers to purchase from the retail side of the business, while the service side like offering lessons will still be on hold.
“We are going to follow the restrictions of most service-based businesses like salons, barbershops and restaurants. We are going to honour their type of restrictions, but we are going to maintain retail,” said Gonsalves. “You got to bring in some money, got to get back into a routine that is healthy. It’s a combination of things.”
Clothing retailer Pod on Carden Street did not open on Tuesday, but preparations are being made for a planned Friday opening, with reduced hours.
On Quebec Street, Dimar Shoe Repair opened for the first time in two months. Owner Pablo Hadarits said he used the time to do renovations in the back room of the 33-year-old downtown business.
“We were just barely done those on Thursday when they announced we could open,” said Hadarits. Customers have been contacting him, asking when the store will be open.
“Yesterday I messaged about 50 customers, letting them know we were open and I put some posts on our Instagram and Facebook pages,” he said.
Because of the small size of the storefront, only two customers will be allowed inside at a time.
Aside from the occupancy restrictions, Hadarits also had a plexiglass shield installed at the cash desk and has hand sanitizer available for customers to use.
By 10:30 the store had already been visited by a half dozen people seeking shoe repairs.
“Just before we closed it was totally dead, so it’s good to see more people out supporting Downtown Guelph,” he said.
