We are two and a half weeks into April and the whole country is still in COVID-19 lock down. However, there are some small businesses that have gotten creative and found ways to still stay open and employ people while still adhering to government regulations.
One such business, Poinsett Bride, will hold virtual wedding dress fittings with her clients. A stylist calls the bride to find out what the client wants in a dress, then sets up 10 to 12 dresses on mannequins. The stylist then contacts the client via zoom and goes through the dresses virtual. Once a few are picked out, the stylist will prep the dresses for curbside pick up so the client can take them home and try them on. The client can call in and get help with pinning and clamping so the dress can be altered when returned.
Another small business has set up drive-thru real estate closings. They leased an old bank drive-thru close to their office for six months and buyers can use up to 3 lanes with teller drawers and canister shoots to send signed documents back and forth. They have set up iPad stations so that the buyer, seller, realtor, and mortgage loan officer can all be in attendance virtually. If it works out, they may keep doing it even after the lock down is lifted. This is a good example of reuse of an existing vacant property that was otherwise sitting unused.
These and other small businesses in the Greenville area still need your help. The Greenville News has launched a Shop SMALL Help BIG where local businesses can tell you if they are open and how you can do business with them. There are links on the web page for restaurants, local small retail shops, health services and how to support local via gift cards.
It is truly amazing how these businesses have become creative through virtual shopping, social media, curbside delivery, and takeout where it did not previously exist.
The other interesting news is how people are learning to cook again. With all restaurant dining rooms closed, it has become easier to just stay home and cook like Grandma used to do. With the help of Pinterest, YouTube and internet searches there is no reason why you cannot find a recipe for anything out there. YouTube even gives you demonstrations on how to fix it. If we are getting the family around the dining room table for dinner once again, how can that be a bad thing?
Gov. Henry McMaster has ordered that public boat ramps and landings be reopened. They were previously shut down because people were not doing social distancing. This order does not restrict local cities from making their own decisions about opening public access so expect some areas to remain closed. If you can and do decide to get back on the water, be sure to abide by the social distancing rules. Six feet of distance between any people who do not live in the same house.
South Carolina officials are also discussing whether to let hospitals resume with elective surgeries or not. There will be a lot of back and forth with this issue with top priority to keep people safe but elective surgeries are big money makers for hospitals. Shutting down all elective procedures has resulted in a large income drop for most hospitals.
Victoria Cottle is a Realtor® in the Greenville South Carolina area and if you, a friend or a family member need assistance with selling or buying a home I can help. Referrals and people needing relocation assistance are welcome! Search Single Family homes in Greenville. Search Condos and Townhomes in Greenville.
Please contact Victoria Cottle by email thevictoriacottlegroup@gmail.com or call (864) 275-3953 for your real estate needs in the Upstate of South Carolina!