While states across the country begin to lift coronavirus restrictions, businesses are cautiously yet eagerly reopening their doors. Although safety limitations and social distancing are still in place, many stores are seeing early success thanks to loyal customers and local support. Check out some of the most inspiring stories from the past week below.

Texas Clothing Stores Are Cautiously Optimistic

Since May 1, Texas businesses have been allowed to reopen at 25% capacity. Stores are already seeing steady streams of shoppers eager to find something new. Social distancing requires a limited number of guests in stores at one time, but innovative business owners have used this opportunity to provide more personalized experiences for their customers. A number of brands throughout the state have taken to scheduling off-hour appointments to make customers feel as safe as possible. According to Houston retailer The Webster, this time has given them a chance to forge stronger bonds with clients and offer support in new ways.

While many sales have predictably come from categories like loungewear and home goods, brands have also seen steady purchases in bags, dresses and jewelry. During a time of isolation, new outfits for future events may give customers something to look forward to. Read on for more Texas shopping trends here: https://www.vogue.com/article/texas-retail-reopens-with-caution-and-hope

McDonald’s Releases Their Reopening Playbook

McDonald’s restaurants throughout the country have operated with drive-thru only service for months, but as more states reopen dining rooms, the fast food chain is preparing to lift restrictions. To help managers and franchise owners reopen safely, McDonald’s has published a “Dine-In Reopening Playbook” that details specific safety and sanitation measures. Once a local or state government announces a reopening timeline, a McDonald’s representative meets with each store owner to determine whether or not it will reopen. So far, there are still fewer than 100 McDonald’s restaurants open, but they expect more to make the transition soon.

In addition to procedures required by the state, the restaurants will wipe down self-serve kiosks after each order, place “closed” signs on designated tables and scrub bathrooms twice per hour. With their influence looming over the fast food industry, experts also expect other brands to follow McDonald’s reopening standards for their own stores. Find out more about the chain’s reopening plans here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/business/coronavirus-mcdonalds-reopening.html

Charlotte Small Businesses Find Success

Last week, small businesses in Charlotte, N.C. opened up shop for the first time since March. To their delight, cooped-up customers turned out for the reopening, resulting in a very busy weekend. Stores got creative to keep their guests entertained while still maintaining social distancing guidelines. One brand, Julie’s Boutique, lined up racks of clothing outside, allowing customers to browse while they wait to enter the store. Others redesigned their layout to accommodate larger aisles between products to reduce any accidental physical contact.

As small business owners get used to this new normal, their goal is to make sure the public feels both safe and excited to re-enter the shops. If customers still feel uncomfortable shopping in person, many retailers will continue to offer curbside pickup as well. Learn more about North Carolina’s reopening successes here: https://www.wbtv.com/2020/05/11/small-business-owners-charlotte-encouraged-by-successful-reopenings/

New Grant Programs Rewards Dayton’s Local Businesses

On Friday, Ohio businesses officially got the green light to begin reopening with some restrictions. The day before, the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Dayton Partnership launched a grant program to help give their local businesses a boost. The program, called REOPEN Downtown Dayton, will provide up to $10,000 to stores located in Dayton’s downtown district, allowing them to stay open while their revenue streams recover. So far, partners have already donated more than $700,000 to the new fund.

In order to receive their grant, local businesses simply have to apply at reopendayton.com. A panel of business leaders will then review applications with the goal of rewarding funding within weeks. Check out more details on REOPEN Downtown Dayton here: https://www.whio.com/home/coronavirus-reopen-downtown-dayton-grant-program-looking-help-struggling-businesses/YKJIW3TXI5DSBLEPFAXHPUJ52Q/