Additional Tips on Re-Opening for Retailers

While Governor Cuomo has issued official guidelines for New York businesses to follow as they begin to re-open, we thought it may be helpful to share additional tips to help retailers navigate operations in a post-pandemic economy and society.

The United States Chamber of Commerce has created a Guide to Reopening Your Business. The guide lists different tools and resources to help small businesses as well as video workshops. If you’re looking for more direction on how to keep your business space clean, check out the CDC’s Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes.

The National Retail Federation’s website is full of great resources for retailers on the ongoing pandemic. Notably, they have developed an Operation Open Doors Checklist that has considerations related to employment, logistics and operations, and health policy. And, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a short list of tips for retailers on helping reduce their employees’ risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

The New York City Department of ­­­Health posted a FAQ on the Use of Face Coverings for customers and retail businesses. While this FAQ focuses primarily on essential businesses, the information can be applicable to all businesses as the City opens up. You may also want to check out Gensler’s guide to creating and posting signage in your business that helps customers feel safe and welcomed. FedEx has also created templates for COVID-19 signage to make the design process easier. And, Duggal Visual Solutions has developed a COVID-19 Comeback Kit for Reopening, which includes branded partitions, social distancing signage, branded contactless hand sanitizer dispensers, and more!

If your business is a food establishment, these resources may be especially helpful as we look towards returning to in-person dining. Fox Rothschild LLP, in partnership with NYC Hospital Alliance, has put together a list of COVID-19 Reopening Tips for NYC Restaurants. The list includes useful information on deciding when to reopen, rehiring and accommodating employees and more. The National Restaurant Association has also posted a guide, COVID-19 Reopening Guidance, that encompasses important information, resources and tips for restaurants to review as they begin to reopen. And, for more resources and answers to FAQs that can assist restaurants during this time, check out the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s guide on Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Our neighbor, Nordstrom, has shared their approach to reopening their stores. You can read their approach here to gain insight and tips that you can apply to your own business. If any of Lincoln Square’s retailers have their own suggestions and tips for reopening, please send them our way so we can share them with the community.

We will continue to provide updates on guidelines that may be relevant and useful to retailers. You can also visit the NYC Department of Small Business Services' website for a COVID-19 Guidance and FAQ resource page. 

Photo credit: Filip Wolak