Help Flatten the Curve and Stop the Spread of Coronavirus as a Retailer | Retail Today With Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor - Flash Briefing

Today is Tuesday March 17. St. Patrick’s day. We learned yesterday that new guidelines advise no gatherings of 10 or more people, the fed has slashed interest rates to 0, and Wall Street had another horrible day. While interest is coalescing around helping restaurants and small business, there are no firm plans yet.

America is split as to how leadership is doing on the virus; some cities are ghost towns while others are partying away. One thing is clear: we need to avoid going out in public to flatten the curve of virus spread. One less trip you make to the store, one more alcohol wipe you use around both your house and your business can make a difference.

Here’s what I recommend doing today as a retailer. If you have a personal service like a
massage, haircut, etc. consider going to your clients instead of them coming to you. You could even do this regardless of what you sell. One-on-one you can still see people wash for 20 seconds, etc. I heard someone suggest do a Facebook live each morning showing your temperature to assure people at least you do not have a Fever. The important thing to do is look at how you can reassure people and still do some semblance of business.

If your business is closed or you are working from home, make sure to keep to a routine. Make a schedule and stick to it. Commit to certain blocks of time for learning, researching, and analyzing your business. Even if you have the kids home, sticking to a schedule can relieve some of the panic.

And don’t forget the front lines. Many employees are unable to take two weeks off yet are in contact with anxious customers. Make sure you thank them and be nice. This is a WE moment, not a ME moment.