Occasionette

COLLINGSWOOD STAYS HOME

MAY, 2020

What has been the most difficult part of this time for your business?: We really love being a place for people to come in, feel safe and and happy, browse around, bump into a neighbor and say hi, and just function as a space for our neighbors while providing cards and gifts for friends and family. It's been hard to pivot to being online - not just because of the logistical challenges in being an online shop vs a brick and mortar, but also because it's a lot more difficult to be a place to just poke around and browse and evoke that same feeling.

What is your silver lining? What is something positive that has come out of this either for your business or for your personally?: We feel so loved and supported by our community. We've always known that the shop was special, but it's been incredible to hear how much it means to so many people.

How is this time changing your business? Have you changed how you serve clients/customers?: We're currently only able to be an online shop, which is completely different than being on a brick and mortar shop. We were intentionally and consciously only a brick and mortar for seven years, but those days are behind us now.

What are you most worried about?: | worry about our employees - it's so critical that people continue to support local so that we can bring our entire team back eventually.

What are you most looking forward to when the stay at home order is lifted and things reopen?: Remerchandising the shops!

Do you expect this time to change your business in the long run?: We'll likely continue to offer online ordering / shop pickup for the foreseeable future.

Why is this time meaningful for you to document?: I think documenting the stories of small business is critical for their survival.

What do you love move about Collingswood?: Collingswood has been so lovely and caring. It has such a wonderful sense of community.