STRATEGIES AND IDEAS
For Businesses
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.
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 and Providers
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.
