Cash registers are ringing in Kentucky for the first time in two months. Retail outlets reopened on Wednesday following a shutdown from the coronavirus.
Dixieland Boutique in Bowling Green opened Wednesday without a lot of fanfare. Owner Brittany Blackerby said normally when there’s a sale or special occasion, the clothing store will heavily promote it and do giveaways.
“I was little hesitant to do it in the same way this time because we need to maintain social distancing, so we didn’t want a line at the door or a lot of people coming in at once," Blackerby told WKU Public Radio. We wanted it to be like a normal day.”
Blackerby said customer traffic steady was steady throughout the day.
To help combat the spread of the virus, both employees and shoppers are now required to wear a mask inside the store. Surfaces are being disinfected after customers touch them, and clothes that are tried on or returned are steamed before being put back on the sales floor. Plexiglass has also been installed as a barrier at the checkout counter.
Blackerby said all the extra measures are taking some time, but worth the effort.
While online sales helped during the shutdown, the loss of in-store sales revenue at Dixieland Boutique has been significant. The clothing store is normally busy this time of year with Easter, Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings, and vacations.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is allowing a gradual reopening of non-essential businesses as long as they follow health and safety guidelines.
Restaurants will reopen on Friday with limited capacity.
