LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Since the end of March, many local boutiques have been trying to stay afloat through online orders and deliveries. But on Wednesday, May 20, they are finally able to open to in-person business.
Things are a little different than before though. Peggy's Gifts owner Peggy Queen said they've installed a sneeze guard at their register and are providing customers with PPE, gloves and hand sanitizer. They are also trying to keep the number of people in the store at a time-limited.
"We are trying to monitor it, I think the requirement is ten people or less in a group, so we are trying to count that way," Queen said.
Not far down the street 'As you go' boutique is opening for the first time. They had planned their grand opening to be on March 21, but due to COVID-19 they had to push it back to now.
"Obviously when you're opening your business you don't imagine the grand opening involving face masks and social distancing, but we are excited and we know that the shop local movement is stronger than ever right now, and we are hoping this will make us stronger than ever and we are excited to finally open," said co-owner Katie Hisel.
Other stores are adapting their hours as well to accommodate smaller crowds. James C Boutique owner Carrie Burkett says they are allowing people to schedule times to come in during no-traditional store hours if that makes them feel safer. She says most people feel comfortable coming in and it's been great seeing old faces again but wants to do whatever it takes to make her customers feel safe.
"It's really great to see all of our normal customers and everybody so happy," Burkett said.
