Some Merced County businesses are back, after being shuttered by coronavirus pandemic
Shortly after Stephanie Gonzales opened the doors for Envy Fine Clothing at 10 a.m. Friday, business was nonstop.
The Atwater shop had a steady stream of customers coming in and out — a far cry from the “closed” sign that has been on the business for several weeks.
“We’ve been running around all morning,” said Gonzales, the store’s general manager.
Envy is just one of several Merced County small businesses back in action for the first time since Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a shelter-in-place order nearly eight weeks ago.
A Blooming Affair Floral & Gift Shop owner Tawni Vargas said she felt “overwhelmed” with the flood of calls her downtown Merced shop received Friday.
“It’s been crazy,” Vargas said. “We didn’t anticipate the turnout. We’re trying to a hold of our wholesaler to get more flowers. Being busy is a wonderful thing.”
Many small businesses in Merced County have been devastated by the lack of revenue since the beginning of the pandemic. Some have been able to remain open on a limited capacity using online, phone and curbside sales.
Newsom on Thursday gave guidance on how businesses like A Blooming Affair can progress into Stage 2 of the statewide stay-at-home order, which imposes restrictions aimed at curbing the virus’ spread.
Some stores were ready to hit the ground running on Friday.
Happy to see customers face-to-face
Gonzales says many of her employees establish personal relationships with their customers. They get a feel for what type of clothing their customers like.
Actually getting to interact with their customers was one of the highlights of opening up their Atwater shop Friday.
“Honestly, it’s been amazing,” Gonzales said. “Getting to see the customer’s reactions has been the best part of today. We’re able to see their smiles. Many are happy to get their Mother’s Day outfit. They’ve told us they’re happy we’re opened. It’s amazing to know we’re appreciated.”
Envy Fine Clothing has five stores in Atwater, Merced, Turlock, Modesto and Riverbank.
The shops are taking precautions while opening as they follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s social distancing guidelines. Only 10 customers are allowed in the Atwater store at a time. In the smaller Merced shop, only four customers can be in the store at once.
Gonzales says the stores are still offering curbside sales for customers who don’t feel comfortable coming in the shop.
Castle Air Museum opens
After being closed for over 40 days, the Castle Air Museum opened back up for business Friday.
Executive director Joe Pruzzo says it’s the first time the museum has been closed since the Gulf War in 1991. The museum was closed back then for security reasons because Castle Air Force Base was still active.
Pruzzo says it was nice to see visitors Friday with their cameras out, taking pictures of some of the 73 planes and aircraft on display.
“It feels really good to try to get back to some sense of normalcy,” Pruzzo said. “Forty days without any people is really surreal. This place is really a crown jewel for people to enjoy in this area, region, state and really this nation.”
Pruzzo sent a letter to Merced County asking if the museum would be allowed to open if they follow strict CDC social distancing guidelines. Pruzzo worked closely with Merced County Supervisor Daron McDaniel to make sure safety guidelines are met.
The gift shop has signs informing customers they can’t enter the shop without a facemask, they must stay 6 feet apart and only five people allowed in the gift shop at once.
Pruzzo said social distancing guidelines will also be enforced throughout the museum.
Mother’s Day rush
Friday’s opening was just in time for A Blooming Affair Floral & Gift Shop to receive dozens of Mother’s Day orders.
The shop was flooded with deliveries on Friday, and they have another 100 deliveries scheduled for Saturday.
“Everyone has been wonderful and appreciative,” Vargas said. “People have said ‘we’re so glad you’re open.’”
The shop has been hurt because of the many graduations, weddings, proms, funerals and other large events that have been canceled during the pandemic. Vargas has been working alone in the shop the past couple weeks, handling non-contact delivery orders.
On Friday, she was joined by four other people working in her shop, including her mother Terry Vargas, who opened the shop almost 33 years ago.
“It’s nice to have company in the shop again,” Tawni Vargas said.
City Hall preparing to open
Merced city offices are beginning to reopen with the hope of opening the Merced Civic Center (City Hall) to the public on Monday, May 18, according to a release from the City of Merced.
City of Merced employees, who have been working from home, will return to their offices on Monday, May 11.
“With the governor reopening many businesses in the state, it is time to begin moving the City in the same direction,” said City Manager Steve Carrigan. “We are opening City offices with the health and safety of everyone — City employees and the public — as the top priority.”
Other City facilities, including the Police Department and Public Works, will also be scheduled to open to the public on May 18. The Parks and Recreation Office will open at a later date.
Social distancing guidelines will be put in place at City Hall. Initially, only counter service on the first and second floors will be available at City Hall. Other City business will be conducted by telephone, email or video conference.
City Council meetings, along with board and commission meetings, will continue to meet by video conferencing.
