Responding to CoronaVirus as an Independent Retailer

MtnStuff recognizes that it’s not “business as usual” in your shop right now, so we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to work with changes in the marketplace. 

In Store Efforts

• Make your shop a safe space

  • Keep your shop extra clean and tidy 

  • Have a frequent hand washing policy

  • Keep hand sanitizer available at the counter and by the door

    • If your local store is sold out, you can easily make hand sanitizer at home

  • Disinfect surfaces with Clorox wipes and keep extras accessible around the shop

  • Ask employees and customers who are showing symptoms to stay home

  • Post a note to customers on your door to let them know you value them and their health, and that you are taking the above precautions.

• Stay informed: 

  •  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

  • https://www.snewsnet.com/news/coronavirus-comprehensive-coverage

  • https://www.snewsnet.com/news/podcast-crisis-communication-during-coronavirus-outbreak

  • https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR32jADmP726Jr7moGP0XkNj7jHSkJBDJy0Ly2AGbWD64Ad60BzT8Fc-4EY

• Set up curbside pickup 

  • Allow customers to pay over the phone, and have a healthy employee run product out to the customer’s car

• Offer local home deliveries 

• Help your community

  • Run a food drive, help deliver supplies to at risk neighbors and customers, etc. 

Marketing: 

• Let your customer know what you’re doing to make your store a safe space 

  • Share the extra precautions you are taking to keep the store clean, and keep your team healthy

  • Check out this message from Jubilee Roasting Co. for an example of what to say

• Remind customers of the benefits of getting outdoors 

• Suggest healthy activities

  • Hiking, backcountry skiing, campfire cooking, and mountain top cocktails are great ways to get outside

  • Remind your customer you have the perfect pack for them to carry that picnic to a secluded spot

• Be honest about what you’re experiencing as a small business owner and let your customers know how they can continue to support your team

• Suggest purchasing gift cards 

• Direct customers to your website

• Offer coupons or a free gift for good deeds such as:

  • Delivering groceries to someone who is high risk 

  • Volunteering at the senior center if you’re in good health

  • Bringing in canned food that you can then donate to your local food bank

• Get creative

  • Laramie’s Basecamp is currently hosting a TP scavenger hunt

Please share your ideas and additional resources with us, and let us know how we can help.