OUR COMMUNITY SHOULD

Close or active interaction with other customers. Businesses that can successfully manage and maintain the six feet of social distance for customers during their shopping or eating out experiences are going to get customers to come back.
Close interaction with employees. Business employees should be wearing protective face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE). The more these items are prominent and seen, the more there will be a reduction in anxious customer attitudes. The more a business can do to assure customers that their safety and the employees’ safety is a top priority, the more likely people are to return to the store.
Passing interaction with other people. Some stores have set up “entry and exit” doors that are separated by large distances because of the concerns customers have passing other customers coming in or out of a store. Understandably, not all small businesses have the luxury of two separate entries and exits, but if a business does – use it.
The most anxiety is caused or centered around touching shared surfaces. The biggest concern is touchpads for credit card transactions or common communal areas, such as fruit and vegetable bins in grocery stores. Stores that can eliminate touch transactions or common areas of high touch will be successful in attracting returning customers.

Minuteman Press McAllen was riding a steady stream of business right as the Covid-19 pandemic hit. The print and design franchise was benefitting from its exceptional customer service, a big part of which included face to face interactions to conduct business. When the first wave of shutdowns started, owner Gina Cruz had to rethink her operations.

“Having a business during this Covid-19 pandemic has not been easy,” Cruz said. “But I have learned to be more patient and to trust in my faith.”

In order to ensure a safe working environment, Cruz has implemented changes at the business including making hand sanitizer readily available at the shop, disinfecting high touch surfaces, social distancing procedures and stresses mask wearing to keep fellow employees and customers safe. Minuteman Press also began to offer curbside pickup for products, and can now schedule appointments and virtual meetings via FaceTime and Zoom.

For Cruz, running a business during an unprecedented pandemic has been a time for reflection, both professionally and personally. There’s one lesson in particular she’s learned to keep on persevering.

Cruz says, “Don’t take things for granted. Enjoy things as they are because your lifestyle can change in the blink of an eye.”

To shop Minuteman Press Inventory, visit their shop at 4949 N. McColl Road or browse online at http://www.mcallen-tx.minutemanpress.com/.

Businesses deemed essential during the Covid-19 outbreak worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to aid their communities, all while navigating their own set of changes. For Mission Restaurant Supply, that meant helping local restaurants transition to primarily curbside and dine-out services, all the while making sure they were on top of ever-changing regulations.

“We want to be able to help and consult with our customers to ensure they had what they needed with all the changes,” said Luke Wooldridge, General Manager. “We were able to source table dividers, cashier shields, disposables, PPE, and other necessary products to help our customers stay open.”

To get through the last few months successfully, Mission Restaurant Supply has relied on two of their core values: Family and Being Resourceful. Wooldridge says, “Our charitable way has become a defining component of our company culture.”

To highlight that, from October 12 – November 6, they will hold the “We ♥ Our Customers Event“. There will be weekly sales, as well as other promotional specials. During the event, Mission Restaurant Supply will be donating 5% of in-store sales to TRA’s Texas Restaurant Relief Fund.

“Over the past thirty years, we have built a culture at Mission Restaurant Supply around family values and giving back to our community,” said Jack Lewis, CEO.

For the event flyer and details, please visit www.missionrs.com/locations.