By Christin Evans, HANC Board

As we develop a better understanding of how the virus is spread, health officials are offering guidance to more and more businesses on the ways they can re-open.  On September 14th, hairdressers, nail salons, piercing & tattoo parlors, massage businesses, gymnasiums and fitness studios were all authorized to re-open so long as they followed certain safety guidelines such as the completion of a safety protocol plan, providing masks & hand sanitizer and taking other industry-specific measures to lower the risk of the virus spread. 

However, just because some businesses can re-open, that doesn’t mean they will open.  Small business owners who don’t want to assume the risk for their own health, their employees or their customers may still elect to do business online or outdoors through the city’s Shared Spaces program.

Most businesses have limited the number of customers inside at a time, and placed hand sanitizer throughout their businesses encouraging customers and staff to liberally apply the virus-killing alcohol-based liquid, foam & gel.  Stores have also shortened hours and limited the number of staff working and many customers still elect for curbside pickup even though in store browsing is now an option.

Preparing for the Holidays

Leading into the holidays, the merchants anticipate lower foot traffic than pre-Covid and are organizing sales, promotions and offering limited time items to grab customer attention. Appeals to customers to “Shop Local” and support neighborhood businesses have become more frequent than ever. 

As soon as the bulk of the Haight street construction work reaches completion (expected sometime in October and no later than Thanksgiving), the merchants are planning to launch community-oriented “Hoodstock Days” on weekends to attract people to Haight street. For up to date information on businesses which have re-opened, you can visit ShopHaight.com.