New York state is in Phase 3 of businesses reopening with Phase 4 right around the corner. Things are starting to go back to “normal” but there are still certain restrictions and regulations that must be followed and business owners are taking precautions to keep their employees and customers safe. We spoke with Jay Yennock, the owner of China Towne Furniture and Mattress in Syracuse, about what his company has been doing to create the best scenario possible for his staff and his customers.
“China Towne Furniture and Mattress was deemed essential since we sell chair lifts and other items. We were able to offer curbside pickup in April, which was great and were able to see customers by appointment only on May 11th. The store has been open entirely since May 22nd. We were definitely hit by COVID19, but we are making a slow come back and see an uptick of sales.” said Yennock. China Towne is currently operating on limited hours. Each department head oversees cleaning and sanitizing their spaces. Door handles and high traffic areas are cleaned 4 times a day to keep up with the regulations put in place by New York State. Sneeze guards have been put up at checkout counters and masks and gloves are provided to the customers who do not have them.
“We are encouraging customers to call ahead, shop our web site apply for credit, use the appointment app or call the store to make an appointment. and book appointments and let us know what they are looking for. We have fifty-five thousand square feet facility so distancing the customers from one another isn’t an issue. We want to be able to get the customers in and look at what they picked out in advance” said Yennock.
China Towne Furniture and Mattress, along with other local businesses in Syracuse are taking every precaution they can and following the rules and regulations provided by NYS to make sure they can stay open and serve their loyal customers. With the hopes of Phase 4 being implemented by the end of June, businesses can come back, hopefully stronger than ever.