We’re one week into mandatory closures
Last week a customer tried to overpay the bill for a modest takeout order. He left $100 on the counter. When the proprietor objected, the man explained what he was doing.
“Small businesses are hurting,” he said. “I want to help as much as I can.”
The observation is accurate. In most cases, sales have been hurt by the virus precautions. Village Pizza was packing its dining room on Friday nights during Lent. The restaurant on Hudson Street is still making deliveries, but the dining room is empty. As a result, Gary Fiorello is ordering fewer ingredients and has noticed that his suppliers are laying off employees. But he’s not pessimistic. “We’ll get through this,” he predicts.
Further up the street, a chalkboard outside of 2 Alices offers a friendly suggestion. “Feel normal,” it says, “grab a coffee – take out.” Inside an employee is still upbeat. When asked about business, he smiles. “We’re still chugging along,” he says.
Saturday was the last day for Merritt Florist. The shop will be closed until the restrictions are lifted. On Saturday, the store was busy in response to a half price sale. Ray and Betsy Sharo were the only ones in the building when I stopped in at 2 o’clock. They supported the governor’s decision to shut non-essential businesses. “If everyone complied,” Mr. Sharo remarked, “we’d get through this much faster.”
At Hazard’s Pharmacy, Deacon John Pelella jokes about losing his part-time job since St. Thomas has stopped holding Mass. The pharmacy continues to be busy. But getting certain items from wholesalers has become a challenge. Soap, vitamin C, vitamin B and elderberry have been in short supply. When Mr. Pelella leaves at 6:30 in the evening, the street is eerily quiet.
Not every business is struggling with a reduction in sales. Cornwall Wine & Spirits has benefited from the closing of the bars and cocktail lounges. Referring to the steady stream of customers, an employee tells us that “It’s like a holiday.”
The generous customer was finally discouraged from overpaying his bill. Instead he was persuaded to leave tips for the employees, who have been hurt as much as anyone by the loss of business.
