Homewood and Flossmoor businesses are trying to define a new normal as they contend with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a modified stay-at-home order extending until the end of May, some businesses across the state are adjusting their services while many struggle to stay afloat.
Homewood and Flossmoor businesses are trying to define a new normal as they contend with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a modified stay-at-home order extending until the end of May, some businesses across the state are adjusting their services while many struggle to stay afloat.
No businesses from the H-F area have reported to be closing permanently, but Angela Mesaros, director of Economic and Community Development for Homewood, said the extended stay-at-home order will result in “another month of loss” for small businesses in addition to non-essential retailers, salons and dine-in restaurants.
“On a positive note, some of the restrictions have been lifted,” she said. “For example, our retailers can now do curbside pick up. Many business owners are taking advantage of this new option. Businesses are innovating. They continue to provide services through on-line sales, take-out and delivery. They are protecting their employees and our community.”
Owner Doyle Sims from the Doyle Designed Salon in Flossmoor said his business has been closed since the end of March. He received an economic injury disaster loan, established by the CARES Act which will help him make it through May.
Signed into law March 27 by President Donald Trump, the act contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses, establishing new temporary funding options to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Sims waits for the stay-at-home restrictions to ease, he’s planning for the salon’s future.
“There will be very little shampooing. Only for removal of hair color,” he said. “This will cut down anyone being above you while shampooing. During the color removal process we will give [clients] a clean towel to place over their face. We will probably do very little blow drying, if any, so we don’t have the wind from the blow dryer moving air around.”
He also said his salon will no longer have a coffee bar or magazines. Additionally, stylists will be moved further apart and the salon will take fewer appointments to reduce traffic flow.
“There are a lot more things that will need to be modified so ourselves and the clients are taking precautions to stay healthy and safe,” he said.
Kluger Furs, located in Flossmoor Commons, has been able to continue paying its workers, despite being closed for six weeks, with the help of the paycheck protection program administered through the CARES Act.
Since the modified stay-at-home order allows non-essential businesses to conduct services curbside, Kluger Furs will begin fur storage drop-offs May 4. In May, the store will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“This virus has caused us to change some of our requirements,” owner Sue Kluger said. “All items must be cleaned. We will be offering our early-bird discount of $15 off per coat through June 6. Payment is due at drop off.”
Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery has shifted to take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery. They are open daily from noon to 8 p.m. Free delivery starts at 3 p.m. daily for those within a 5-mile radius.
Owner Carolyn Armstrong said staff members are using this time to clean, repaint and stain all portions of the restaurant. Staff members wear gloves and masks at all times, constantly washing their hands and using hand sanitizer.
“We have applied for and received a [paycheck protection program] loan, which will only help for a few months,” she said. “After that, no one knows how we will all be affected or as to what our business will be in our new normal. This is a very trying time for all businesses and we plan to chug through and keep our food, craft beer and bottles of wine going out the door to our customers.”
Dunning’s Market, 1050 Sterling Ave. in downtown Flossmoor, only takes online orders during this time.
“This is 100 percent the opposite of our usual hands-on approach with our customers,” owner Maureen Mader said. “Dunning’s has always been a gathering place. The space is small and once staff is there, social distancing will be tricky. We keep evolving with the climate, and I am sure we will change again.”
She said Dunning’s was left out of the first round of federal aid distribution but there is hope for the second round.
Julie Lawton, director of the Homewood Business Association and co-owner of UpsaDaisy Boutique, said only a few small business owners in Homewood have received federal aid during the first round of the grant/loan distribution, though many have applied.
Businesses in the H-F area are using social media as a way to encourage residents to support local businesses and to stay connected with customers.
UpsaDaisy Boutique, 18100 Martin Ave. in Homewood, posts weekly check-in videos on Facebook to connect with customers and to let them see what is going on in the shop.
Lawton said using #explorehomewood and #stayconnectedhomewood on social media can help community members “see the faces behind the businesses and connect with them on a more personal and virtual level.”
“We are very thankful to the HF community for continuing to support our local businesses during this very difficult time,” Lawton said. “We still need you now more than ever so please continue to support locals in any way that you can. Small businesses are the heart of our community.”