Long Island News Post Published on May, 29th 2020, Written by Nick P.
Long Island has reopened on Wednesday after an extended 2-month lockdown. However, many Long Islanders still find themselves without a job, as the unemployment rate has hit 16%. Employers, workers, and customers are trying to return to normal life while also preventing COVID-19 as the state finally lifted restrictions.
Phase 1 has allowed low-risk businesses to resume operations. These include construction, manufacturing, and wholesale trade. In addition, several other businesses have been able to offer curbside pickup and delivery for goods. This serves as an economic boost to Long Island, one of the most impacted areas from Coronavirus.
Although businesses have been instructed to limit capacity to 50% for the time being, the ability to reopen is huge for the area, as small businesses make up 80% of the Long Island economy. It is crucial at this time to support your favorite local business, as they have likely been struggling to keep their lights on and employees working throughout the pandemic.
To put the April 2020 unemployment rate of 16% into perspective, we can compare to the previous April data, which shows an unemployment rate of only 3.1 percent. Some of the hardest-hit industries were the leisure and hospitality segments, where local employment rates plunged by 62.1 percent.
As we progress through the reopening process, it seems as if the unemployment rate will naturally drop as businesses will be able to rehire their employees and return to work. It seems as if many people within the Long Island community have had enough of COVID-19 and are ready to get back to work and enjoy the summer. However, we must not forget the importance of taking precautions as we move through the Phases.
A Long Island Small Business Story
Tandy Jeckel, owner of a small shop in Commack known as Tandywear, reported that her phone had been ringing off the hook all morning on Wednesday. Jeckel was finally allowed to offer in-store pickup for her customers beginning on Wednesday.
When asked about how it felt to reopen, Jeckel said: “I'm just ecstatic about the fact that people can come in.” Tandywear has been offering customers the option of curbside pickup since last month, as the store sells masks. On Wednesday, the Commack store was able to provide customers with the option of in-store pickup.
Although store owner Tandy Jeckel had to close for a “long two weeks”, she said that she experienced a huge surge in business over Memorial Day Weekend, as customers were picking up many clothing items.
The store has experienced an overall response to curbside pickup, but customers are ready to get back to traditional shopping. Store owner Tandy Jeckel says her customers often explained “I can't wait to come in and peek again”
Other ways to Support Long Island Small Businesses
Many people have been out of work and therefore do not have extra money to buy goods from local small businesses. However, there are many other ways you can support small businesses on Long Island besides simply purchasing products. Follow your favorite local business on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook as a way to show your support.
In addition, the simple act of sharing a post on Social media is a free way you can support Long Island Small businesses! It may not seem like a big deal, but small businesses can use all the publicity they can get as we enter these reopening Phases.
Are you looking for a gift but aren't sure what to get for the particular person? In this situation, a gift card is always a great option. In light of COVID-19, many businesses have begun to offer eGift Cards, which are also a great option if you are in a pinch for time.
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Long Island News Post Published May 29th, 2020
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