STRATEGIES AND IDEAS

For Businesses

Prefaces and Realities

  • This is uncharted territory: there really are no precedents, best practices, or tried-and-proven reopening strategies.
  • The reality is, in many places, we will not be returning to “business as usual” this year.
  • Many of the earliest examples of effective reopening strategies are likely to come from Italy, Denmark, Austria, and other countries entering recovery mode sooner.
  • Recovery will be gradual and, in some cases, slow – possibly occurring over a period of 12 to 18 months or more, and with possible starts and stops along the way.
  • Not all businesses will survive. Different studies have identified the very types of specialty retail and eating and drinking establishments populating our districts as being at immediate risk. Those that were struggling before the pandemic are especially vulnerable.

Retail Establishments

Ideas for enhancing your customers’ comfort level, taking care of employees, rethinking floor plans, taking your online presence to the next level, and more.

Eating and Drinking Places

Online ordering, curbside pickup and other modifications made to weather the immediate crisis could be just the start of changes that lie ahead.

Service Businesses and Providers

Enhancing client comfort levels will be especially critical for close contact service providers who must also be adept at scheduling, complying with stepped-up PPE and health safety rules, and training staff.

Arts and Cultural Attractions

New ventures and channels already launched in the face of the pandemic to help promote and sustain the arts as a valuable part of our districts are likely to continue to play an important role in recovery efforts.

HOW-TO VIDEOS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Visit the Michigan Main Street Small Business Library for how-to videos to help market your business, set-up your online store, utilize social media, and operate a clean and safe business in the COVID-19 era and beyond.

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Main Street changed the rhythm of how we do business. From strategic planning to creating effective marketing strategies, developing smart partnerships to how to best benefit from community events, we are all connecting and succeeding.

Ryan Wilman

Owner, The Owl, Morning ’til Night

Milan, Michigan

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