NAVIGATING A NEW REALITY — TOGETHER
We’re taking a look ahead at “new reality” possibilities and working to compile potential reopening strategies, ideas, hints and tips for businesses, business districts and organizations as we enter the COVID-19 recovery phase.
prefaces and realities
- This is uncharted territory: there really are no precedents, best practices, or tried-and-proven reopening strategies.
- The reality is, in many places, we will not be returning to “business as usual” this year.
- Many of the earliest examples of effective reopening strategies are likely to come from Italy, Denmark, Austria, and other countries entering recovery mode sooner.
- Recovery will be gradual and, in some cases, slow – possibly occurring over a period of 12 to 18 months or more, and with possible starts and stops along the way.
- Not all businesses will survive. Different studies have identified the very types of specialty retail and eating and drinking establishments populating our districts as being at immediate risk. Those that were struggling before the pandemic are especially vulnerable.
STRATEGIES AND IDEAS
We’re doing our best to organize and update content for quick access based on your needs, interests and industry.
FOR BUSINESSES
Retail Establishments
Ideas for enhancing your customers’ comfort level, taking care of employees, rethinking floor plans, taking your online presence to the next level, and more.
Eating and Drinking Places
Online ordering, curbside pickup and other modifications made to weather the immediate crisis could be just the start of changes that lie ahead.
Service Businesses
Enhancing client comfort levels will be especially critical for close contact service providers who must also be adept at scheduling, complying with stepped-up PPE and health safety rules, and training staff.
Arts and Cultural Attractions
New ventures and channels already launched in the face of the pandemic to help promote and sustain the arts as a valuable part of our districts are likely to continue to play an important role in recovery efforts.
FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Organization and Public Relations
Heightened awareness campaigns to enhance comfort levels, collaborative clean and safe regimens, and strong partnerships will be essential to recovery.
Design and Environment
Design-related recovery efforts might focus attention on district maintenance, customer-friendly parking, and comfortable pedestrian-focused spaces and features.
Business and Real Estate Development
Activities to support businesses, to identify and promote opportunities, and to get in position to lead post-COVID-19 economic development efforts.
Marketing and Promotion
Feel-good messaging and fun small-scale events and entertainment are part of the mix to welcome customers back, support businesses, and celebrate community.
Reopen Main Street is a Downtown Professionals Network special project.
It's our effort to help small businesses, community leaders and organizations advance COVID-19 recovery efforts and navigate a New Reality.
