Reopening a business during the pandemic isn’t a guarantee of success.
But it’s a start. Retail outlets are reporting varying levels of success luring customers back.
In Burnaby, a sportswear giant has finally reopened about six weeks later than most of their retail neighbours.
Lids has hundreds of stores around North America and outlets in Metropolis at Metrotown and Lougheed Town Centre.
Both stores have reopened in the past couple of days.
“Exciting News – Lids stores are beginning to reopen across the country,” reads a statement on the Lids website. “We look forward to serving you in store over the coming days and weeks as more locations open their doors.”
Lids says these are the steps it is taking.
- Encouraging shoppers and employees to practice social distancing of at least 6 feet
- Increased frequency in cleaning high touchpoint areas
- Employees will wear face coverings in accordance with local regulations
- Stores will enact reduced capacities per their state and/or local regulations
Just in the past few weeks, Burnaby shoppers have seen companies like Addition Elle, DavidsTea, Thyme Maternity and Ronsons either keep their Burnaby locations closed – possibly forever – or announce they will be closed permanently this summer.
Aritzia Inc., which operates out of Metropolis at Metrotown, reported a whopping first-quarter loss and revenue drop after temporarily closing all its stores due to COVID-19 health precautions, but the clothing retailer sees an opportunity to expand its business amid the global pandemic.
"It wasn't easy seeing all our boutiques closed ... and the corresponding decline in our revenues and our profitability," said CEO Brian Hill.
The Vancouver-based retailer closed its 96 stores on March 16 and saw a significant decline in sales in the first two weeks of that month. Despite the drop in overall revenues, e-commerce sales grew more than 150 per cent during the quarter.
Aritzia started a phased reopening of stores on May 7. Thirty had reopened by the end of the quarter and 89 as of July 9, including in Burnaby.
Reopened stores have exceeded the company's expectations so far, said Hill, noting the company is viewing the second quarter "with cautious optimism as we prepare for a period of recovery."
Lids is hoping for the same success.
- With files from the Canadian Press
