GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered specific businesses in the state of Michigan to close in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That list includes bars, restaurants, and gyms.
Retail businesses are currently not on the state mandated closure list, but some owners, like Nikki Gillette at Lee and Birch, made the decision to voluntarily close.
It was a decision Gillette said was probably the hardest she’s ever had to make.
For the health and safety of her staff, customers, and community, she chose to temporarily close all four storefronts, at the beginning of this week.
Gillette said if the stores stay closed for a month, they’re going to lose more than $200,000, in sales alone.
“So many things went into it, and honestly it was very emotional because it is a huge, huge hit,”Gillette said. “I don't know what future we have, but I just have to be trustful that it's gonna work out.”
She is still paying staff, scheduled to work 30 hours or more, and is hoping to make that last, for about three weeks.
People can shop online, buy gift cards, or even schedule one-on-one shopping. Gillette is urging people to support other local businesses like hers, during this unknown time.
There was also supposed to be a fashion show on Thursday night, which was postponed for May 14. Gillette organized a virtual fashion show for Thursday, March 26 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. People can check out spring styles for free, and enjoy special discounts and giveaways.
For more details and to RSVP, check out the event page.
RELATED VIDEO:
More stories about the impact of coronavirus on the community and local businesses:
- Food truck operator switches to delivery model due to coronavirus crisis
- Holland-area distillery making alcohol-based hand sanitizer for hospitals and healthcare providers
- Grand Rapids priest fills empty pews with photos for Mass
- West Michigan animal shelters struggle with coronavirus effects
- How you can help seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Frosty Boy is opening for the season, but with some changes due to COVID-19
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.