Silver Linings: Creative Adaptations of Businesses During the Pandemic

The collective creativity, resilience, and adaptability exhibited by the Downtown York community throughout one of the most challenging times in our collective history, the COVID-19 pandemic, has demonstrated why we love our White Rose City.

Whether it was the adaptive ways our small businesses found to safely meet the needs of the downtown community or creating collaborations with other businesses for the benefit of all; DOWNTOWN YORK PULLED TOGETHER

AL FRESCO DINING

When COVID-19 safety guidelines limited indoor gatherings, restaurants took to the streets creating outdoor dining at its best. Dining under the stars or enjoying café-style sidewalk lunch provides a whole new perspective on the city (and great people watching, too!) Now that the warm weather is here, restaurants are gearing up for another season of outdoor dining, drinks and entertainment. A welcome addition to the new normal.

Visit DowntownYorkPA.com for a list of outdoor dining options.

THE ROYAL SQUARE GARDENS PROJECT

The Royal Square District’s indoor venue, The Bond, was unable to host events for the majority of 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. In an effort to pivot while bringing a welcomed outdoor space to the downtown area, The Bond will be opening a combined indoor and outdoor venue this summer.

The Royal Square Gardens project, overseen by The JDK Group and Royal Square Construction & Development, will be nestled in the heart of the Royal Square District beside Artemis Vintage and across from Collusion Tap Works.

VIRTUAL RETAIL THERAPY

Virtual shopping experiences were more than just retail therapy for those of us stuck at home in sweatpants, they were a way for clothing boutiques to stay afloat during the COVID-19 shutdown. Shops like Revolt Style Studio and My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe in the Market District of Downtown York reported record breaking sales from their creative methods of adaptation, like vintage clothing bundle boxes, Instagram live shopping experiences, and Facebook live lunch break virtual shopping trips.