SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Many retail stores that fall under California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s low-risk category are gearing up to reopen for curbside pickup and delivery Friday.
“We’re hoping that we will sell out,” said local florist Hilary Bateman.
Bateman received a shipment of thousands of dollars worth of flowers to her home in anticipation of reopening her shop, Little House of Flowers, in time for Mother’s Day.
Ordering the flowers was a gamble, but Bateman wanted to be prepared for one of the busiest days of the year for the floral industry.
The green light came Thursday afternoon.
“I’m hoping we’re on the road to recovery and we’ll at least stay open for curbside pickup on a regular basis,” she said. “We are super excited.”
San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced Thursday that the county will move consistent with the state when it comes to reopening some retail shops for pickup and delivery on Friday.
Business owners need to fill out this template and post it at the entrance of their store.
“We will print that out and have it posted in a couple of spots in our shop,” said Bateman.
She encourages customers to order their flowers online or over the phone to ensure curbside pickups run smoothly.
In Del Mar, DIESEL, a bookstore, has already been providing limited curbside pickup.
“As a media company, as an educational company and as a mental health company, under all those categories we are essential services,” John Evans explained.
Evans and his wife, Alison Reid, own the bookstore in Del Mar and another in Los Angeles.
They will continue to provide curbside pickup.
“We open the front door and sort of stick a table at the front door and we basically slide it down this table for customers that come to pick up the books,” he explained. “They pay online or pay over the phone.”
He said he expects more customers after the governor’s announcement, but said one possible concern is the confusion that may be on the way.
“I think some people will be confused about whether we are opening completely,” he said. “People are thinking, ‘oh so you’re going to be open!’ and they’re excited to come in and browse. That’s going to be our biggest hurdle I think is sort of explaining to people over and over, no just curbside.”
Sandy Sigal, the President and CEO of NewMark Merrill Companies which owns or manages nearly 30 shopping centers across San Diego County, said many of his tenants have had to shut down their businesses, but some do fall under the low risk category and are free to reopen for curbside pickup and delivery.
“Out of 436 tenants, 50 can open,” he explained.
He hopes all goes well for those businesses, but worries this could be another financial hit if they bring back employees and have to close all over again.
“We want them to open once and stay open,” he said. “My main job is to make sure these small businesses are successful.“
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