The Coronavirus

The Coronavirus Outbreak Global pandemic hits local businesses

The COVID-19 pandemic that is wreaking havoc in places all across the globe has left many people unsure and uncertain about their future.

Over nine million U.S. citizens have filed for unemployment, but the number of unemployed could be much higher. Businesses across America have fired their employees so they could keep afloat and stop the spread of the virus. Millions of Americans have been affected by this virus, even the local businesses in Hutchinson.

“We began making changes three weeks ago by laying off our extra help when there was a noticeable drop in business. We have four part-time employees but fortunately they are retired or have other means of support,” said Steve Fiffe, owner of RENU.

Many businesses took matters into their own hands when this virus first came to light. Employees sanitize and clean whatever they can in their free time.

“I continued to run the store myself for the first two weeks taking the typical virus precautions, cleaning and disinfecting, and then closed the store when ordered by the city/state,” said Fiffe.

On March, 28, the Governor of Kansas, Laura Kelly, put the stay-at-home order into place. Businesses, however, noticed a substantial drop in sales well before the stay-at-home.

“We lost a lot of business prior to closing our doors because our clients were cancelling their appointments in fear of getting the virus,” said Olivia Meyer, cosmetologist at Anima Bella.

Many businesses have been closed for many weeks now due to the virus. Bluebird Books and Allie’s Deli had to close their doors indefinitely. This has caused many businesses to come up with creative ways to help along business.

“I have several projects that I am working on around the store during this time so we are doing online virtual tours of the store and are offering free delivery or curbside pickup. We have had a few individuals take advantage of this offer but not enough to make any difference. We are not a high volume business so we have not felt the effects as badly as other higher volume businesses,” said Fiffe.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has affected millions of people from all walks of life. Local businesses feel the impact so when the time is right, support these businesses and be an active member in the community.

▼ Streets in dowtown Hutchinson remain empty as many buisnesses are forced to close. Many businesses will reopen when the stay-at-home order is lifted.

Photo by Matthew Folkerts

▲ RE-NU is an antique store that has been affected by the pandemic. RE-NU was forced to close, but have found different ways to interact with customers.

Photo by Matthew Folkerts