REALITY OF WEXFORD’S RAPIDLY CHANGING BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
SOME OUTLETS ASKING CUSTOMERS TO BUY VOUCHERS TO HELP THEM STAY AFLOAT
Wexford businesses affected by the coronavirus are coming up with different ways to continue operating while closed and some asking people to help them stay afloat by buying vouchers for dates in the future.
Many businesses are reeling from the shock of having to shut down to protect the safety of clients and staff and worrying about how to pay rents, salaries and bills.
Some are uncertain whether they will be able to re-open again if they are forced to stay closed for a prolonged period and are coming up with new ways to continue selling goods and services.
For many restaurants, that means switching to a take-away service only while clothing and bookstore outlets are offering telephone shoppers free delivery of orders paid by card.
Zen Beauty Bar in Mallin Street informed its customers that it is closed for the forseeable future but suggested ways they can continue to support the business during its absence.
‘If you would like to support the salon and are in a position to do so and would like to bank some me time for yourself when we are back in the real world, we would really appreciate it, if you bought a voucher for any small amount that you can redeem at a later date.’
‘This will not only help us keep our small business going in this difficult time but also guarantees you a reason to leave the house as soon as its safe to do so.’
Zen Beauty is also reaching out to customers by offering to help them out if they are isolated at home. ‘If you are stuck at home at this time and we can do anything to help or pick anything up for you please message us and let us know’.
While the business is officially closed, staff made themselves available for a few hours last Friday and Saturday, for the collection of vouchers and products.
Zen is also offering free delivery of products bought online up to a radious of 20 kilometres.
Hore’s Stores in Wexford said:‘during this difficult situation, we as a business have to adapt’ and assured customers that they are still here to provide assistance and answer their queries.
The family-run department store, one of the oldest in the county, said it is endeavouring to continue providing a service for its customers and asked them to keep an eye on social media for updates and items they are interested in, which can be paid for over the phone and delivered locally free of charge.
The store is closed but a member of staff will be present between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.
‘If you wish to call to the shop, we will be following HSE guidelines regarding hygiene and social distancing.’
‘We appreciate all the support already received from our customers.’
A florist outlet in New Ross has suggested moving Mother’s Day (which fell on Sunday, March 23) to international Mother’s Day on May 10, which is celebrated all around the world, excluding Ireland and the UK.
‘We would really appreciate it if our much valued customers and friends considered purchasing gift vouchers from us to be used at a later date, possibly May 10’.
‘It would be a big help especially as we are still a very new business but again health and safety first. There will be plenty of time to work hard and make up those losses in the future.
‘We all know that Irish mothers won’t mind it being postponed for a few weeks in light of the current situation as they are the best are the best mams in the world.’
The Saucy Butcher is providing a telephone service for customers, allowing them to ring in with their order and pay over the phone for items which will be popped into the boot of their car when they arrive to collect.
Wexford Book Centre is offering a phone-in service with staff members ringing customers back to inform them of their bill total and taking payments by card before arranging for collection or delivery within a 10km radius.
‘We will put the order in your car book, no contact necessary’, the bookshop is advising customers.
Charles Pierce Menswear and Charly’s Company are operating behind closed doors and taking a small number of customers at a time, to minimise the risk.‘As a retail business cannot function without sales, we are prepared to accommodate a limited number of customers at t time, while observing the recommended hygiene protocols, where you have a specific request for delivery or collections. Customers are asked to knock on the door or contact the shop by telephone and place an order which will be delivered free of charge locally. ‘We all need to work together to beat this virus and all local family businesses really appreciate your custom, and look forward to getting back to normal as quickly as possible’, the owners Nigel and Mary Pierce said.