More businesses throughout the country have reopened their doors after coronavirus restrictions left them closed for months. Small local businesses to larger restaurant chains are all finding their way in this “new normal” while following increased health and safety guidelines. Find out more about their stories below.

Eager Shoppers Head to Indiana Retailers

Retailers in Indianapolis (our home city!) reopened for the first time in mid-May and welcomed surprising numbers of shoppers throughout their first weekend. Though some stores were able to provide curbside orders or shift to produce items like masks during the shutdown, business owners were relieved to see customers back in stores and supporting local shops. Clothing shops and wedding dress boutiques alike reported that they have a lot of hope for the future based on their recent weekend numbers.

Reopening has gone well according to the state government, too. Indiana businesses have been able to move into phase three of reopening even sooner than expected. Shop owners said they were glad to give their customers a small sense of normalcy again via a little retail therapy. After the difficulties of the last couple months, they’ve found people just want to make sure the world is still out there and talk about everything they’ve been through. Check out more details of Indiana’s opening weekend here: https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/marion-county-retailers-shocked-by-reopening-weekend-crowds/

Family Businesses Find Success

Local businesses have been among those hardest-hit by coronavirus restrictions, but thankfully, many were able to survive and reopen in recent weeks. In Cleveland, family-owned Mar-Lou Shoes was closed for two months and had to lay off employees for the first time in more than 60 years. They utilized their online store to stay afloat, and when the store reopened on May 12, customers flocked to their shop to purchase new shoes.

To keep their customers safe, Ohio businesses like Mar-Lou Shoes are still implementing precautions, including six feet of distance between each customer, required facial coverings and allowing limited numbers inside at a time. Despite these limitations, customers are still feeling positive and thankful to be out in the community again. Learn more about this family business’s success here: https://www.news5cleveland.com/open/family-owned-mar-lou-shoes-sees-success-in-sales-after-reopening-doors-for-business

Outside Dining Relieves Restaurants

Last week, restaurants in Ohio began offering outdoor dine-in service to guests in their first step toward reopening. Capacity is limited to accommodate social distancing, but restaurant owners reported that diners were very receptive and filled up their available tables. Some restaurants in larger cities even saw their number of reservations creep into the hundreds.

While some restaurants chose to remain closed until more restrictions are lifted, the Ohio Restaurant Association reported that nearly 70% of operators had reopened by May 21. Most stores will also continue to offer carryout and delivery services for the foreseeable future to accommodate customers who aren’t comfortable venturing out just yet. Read on for more reopening stories here: https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/05/ne-ohio-restaurants-re-open-as-coronavirus-restrictions-are-lifted-photos.html

First Gyms Reopen in Texas

Texas was one of the first states to begin reopening businesses, and last week gyms were given the green light to open up to 25% capacity. According to gym managers, traffic was slow at times, but clients who did come to work out were grateful and excited to be back. Because the state was already in phase two of the reopening plan, employees and members were both already adjusted to social distancing, and so far there have been very few issues. To keep gyms safe, members are asked to follow a number of safety guidelines, including disinfecting equipment, wearing gloves and masks, and keeping six feet of social distance. Some gyms even chose to check temperatures at the door. Find out more about gyms’ reopening successes here: https://www.news-journal.com/news/coronavirus/longview-gyms-reopen-at-25-capacity-obeying-sanitation-requirements/article_d52e3716-9910-11ea-88fd-c3bf4eba9ff4.html