Here’s why owners of Phoenix boutique won’t reopen store this week
May 4, 2020, 4:25 AM | Updated: 10:59 am
(Photo provided by Catherine Raslasky)
PHOENIX — As stores that were forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic begin to reopen in Arizona, the owners of a boutique in Phoenix are choosing to remain closed.
Catherine Raslasky, co-owner of Poor Little Rich Girl near 16th Street and Bethany Home Road, said she and co-owner Dawn Fuller have underlying health conditions that put them at a high risk for complications if they contract the coronavirus.
“In order to actually get our store to a point where we could safely be open, we would have to go through a lot of disinfectant constantly,” she said. “We just don’t have access to those things. So until we get to that point, we really have to stick with what’s safe.”
For now, the store — which mainly sells upscale resale clothing and locally made products — is staying closed and selling on Instagram.
“It doesn’t make us much money, but it’s something that we can do to just make it until we get through this,” Raslasky said.
Gov. Doug Ducey announced last week that the state’s stay-at-home order, which went into effect March 31 and was set to expire last Thursday, will be extended to at least May 15 with modifications.
Under the new order, retail businesses that aren’t on the state’s list of essential businesses are allowed to sell goods via walk-up, drive-thru or curbside service starting Monday.
And on Friday, stores can open as long as they follow newly established guidelines.
Raslasky said she and Fuller tried shopping by appointment before the governor issued his stay-at-home order. Customers were offered hand sanitizer at the door and were encouraged to keep 6 feet apart.
They eventually closed and for now plan to continue to sell on Instagram.
“We are making decisions based on whether or not we can actually make our store safe,” Raslasky said. “And until we do, we just have to stay with what we’re doing.”
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