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Stores remaining open during this

Stores remaining open during this

takereasyparcheesi
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 106

takereasyparcheesi
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 106

Stores remaining open during this
3/20/2020 at 3:54 PM

I’m just curious what everyone’s thoughts were on stores remaining open during this time.

Obviously I’d like to note that this thread is geared more towards stores that carry non-essential items.

I’m more so curious as to why the mall remains open to the public during this time... I went through the building yesterday out of pure curious (I realize the hypocrisy in this) and was unsurprised by the amount of stores that were closed, and was yet oddly surprised at the amount of stores still opened, as they catered to a very specific demographic. Another example I can think of is Michael’s Craft and Art Supplies. From what I know, they have decreased hours rather than just close for the time being.
1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

.
3/20/2020 at 4:00 PM

I think that will be different once a confirmed case reaches Brandon. I think right now stores are trying their best to stay open strictly for their staff. I know one store that’s remained open strictly for this reason (Best friend is the owner) but she’s stated once it amplifies or comes to Brandon they will close down. Less time people have to go without money.

I just got back from a city in BC that’s larger than brandon, has no confirmed cases and they had more stores open than we did. Grocery stores were all fully stocked as well.
takereasyparcheesi
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 106

takereasyparcheesi
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 106

That
3/20/2020 at 4:03 PM

1wrangler3 said "I think that will be different once a confirmed case reaches Brandon. I think right now stores are trying their best to stay open strictly for their staff. I know one store that’s remained open strictly for this reason (Best friend is the owner) but she’s stated once it amplifies or comes to Brandon they will close down. Less time people have to go without money.

I just got back from a city in BC that’s larger than brandon, has no confirmed cases and they had more stores open than we did. Grocery stores were all fully stocked as well. "
Actually makes a fair bit of sense.

I guess with it not being present in town yet, there’s no real urgency to shut everything down. I just feel worried for those employees.

Edited by takereasyparcheesi, 2020-03-20 16:11:55
melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

...
3/20/2020 at 6:21 PM

Micheals is offering curb side pickup, so it’s good for employees. And good for crafters who have extra craft time. My hairdresser has sent me an email of all the precautions she is taking so I feel ok going there and I want to support her business. I think each business should make their own decision and each customer can also decide.
Yeppers
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 59

Yeppers
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 59

Buuuuuut
3/20/2020 at 7:39 PM

Do you know if that stylist would get anyone in trouble? Meaning could the owner of the business get in trouble for being open? It would only be me and her there....
ram1952
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 114

ram1952
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 114

No
3/21/2020 at 1:50 AM

At the moment store closures are on a voluntary basis - However- If the Prime Minister was to initiate "The War Measures Act" (Which was initiated by Pierre Trudeau in 1968 as a response to the FLQ crisis) then all persons and business would be required to follow the measures laid out by marshal law. For those of us working in Quebec during this period of crisis it was an educational experience - which I'm sure no-one wants repeated.
Theriddum
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 7

Theriddum
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 7

no cases :/
3/21/2020 at 6:11 AM

takereasyparcheesi said "Actually makes a fair bit of sense.

I guess with it not being present in town yet, there’s no real urgency to shut everything down. I just feel worried for those employees.

Edited by takereasyparcheesi, 2020-03-20 16:11:55"
this is the kind of ignorance that is going to make us pay.
"it not being present in town yet"
With it's onset period. We really don't know that with any certainty.
Cappie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 192

Cappie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 192

It’s in town
3/21/2020 at 7:25 AM

Theriddum said "this is the kind of ignorance that is going to make us pay.
"it not being present in town yet"
With it's onset period. We really don't know that with any certainty. "
Living in a rural area I am hearing stories, from every surrounding town, of travellers coming home this week and not isolating. I’m sure there will be many of them in Brandon. They go shopping, sit on coffee row, visit grandma, just carrying on. They say they “didn’t know”, “are feeling fine”. If places of business don’t close these people will be in them spreading COVID-19. You JUST CAN’T FIX STUPID. We really need grocery stores and pharmacies. Nothing else matters. If this pandemic spreads quickly through a community will THEY be able to remain open?
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Stores: cross-posted
3/21/2020 at 8:47 AM

Posted this to the general COVID-19 thread but it's relevant in this string too.
Had an account sent to me from someone who works at a retailer in the city and if their experience is widespread we still need to get better at distancing.

Particular store was described as busier than the lead-up to Christmas… anecdotes being visitors coming into the store with parents letting kids play in aisles and with tons of toys, others coming in and wandering around for great lengths of time only to buy a candy bar.

At this point the stores that are open are that way because they sell things that folks need and we should be into “get in, get what’s needed and get out” mode (I recommend with a smile if you're feeling it ). It’s tough because people are social creatures and we have a lot of parents that are getting stretched to balance more than they’re used to with kids out of school..... but the State of Emergency declaration on Friday needs to be the end of the idea of stores being a place to hang out for at least the next 30 days and quite possibly longer depending on what’s decided from there.

Folks that are used to the social element of having stores to wander or play need to break the habit for not only their own good but those around them and the staff that work in businesses. I’ve been self-isolated for a good chunk of the week and know that it’s not an easy change especially at first but if it’s any consolation there’s literally an entire globe of billions of people going through or preparing to go through the same thing.

It’s only temporary but that social time will have to be swapped out for phone or a FaceTimes with family or friends, reading a good book (try Kindle on your device if you're out of paper editions), online streams, etc etc. Something I’ve really enjoyed is the special “distancing” edition shows that late night comedians are putting out (check YouTube). Or if local’s your thing, start a thread on here asking the craziest most ridiculous question you can think of and let some of our local armchair comedians take it from there

You might find an idea or two in the “what are your plans” thread or the “what are you binge watching” threads or maybe you have an idea that you can share in one of those threads that other folks may not have thought of.

Hang in there folks, this sounds like it will get worse before it gets better but in following social distancing guidelines we can all play a big part in deciding how bad “worse” is and how strained the medical system potentially gets on the way to “better!”