LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Non-essential retail businesses across Kentucky will close their doors to in-person traffic at 8 p.m. Monday until further notice. This measure is the latest order that came on Sunday from Gov. Andy Beshear to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The order includes places that aren't needed for day-to-day living. One business that falls into that category is Nanz & Kraft Florists, where employees now have to lock their doors to in-person services. But they're hoping their online orders and deliveries will keep them hanging on.
"We still offer delivery and we've got contact-free delivery so our drivers are wiping down their vans and their hands, we're leaving it on the door step, we're then calling the customer and saying we've got some flowers for you," said Vice President Eddie Kraft. "We wait for them to pick them up and then we head on to the next delivery."Â
Kraft said sales are definitely down right now, especially after proms, graduations, and The Kentucky Derby were canceled or rescheduled.
A sign hangs outside Nanz & Kraft Florists alerting customers to delivery and curbside pickup service.
Stores that sell things like clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, books and much more are included in the closure order. That means most malls in the state will go dark Monday night. However all of those shops can still offer online ordering and curbside pickup.
Local businesses are hoping online shopping will bring in enough money to sustain them through this time, but for now they're working on making sure their employees and customers stay safe and healthy.
Garwood Linton, the owner of Red Tree Furniture, says he closed his shop to in-person traffic last week, and it's been an adjustment. Like many other stores, Red Tree is now doing delivery and curb-side pickup for those online and over-the-phone sales.
"I'll tell you we've somewhat been in a daze just getting used to nobody in the store and especially last weekend it was bizarre. There was just no one here and weekends are usually just crazy," he said.Â
As of now, all his staff members are still employed and are getting a paid, but their roles have changed. They're now focusing on social media and driving online sales.Â
"We have all the senses in here: sight, sound, smell, everything. It's really hard to go online and portray that feeling, that image, but we are trying to do that," said Linton.Â
He's asking the public to support local businesses, especially during this time when their in-person sales are taking such a hit.
Essential retail stores, like groceries, pharmacies and a few other can stay open. For a full list of what will close and what won't, click here.
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