Information for supporting Retail Trade businesses in Cattaraugus County during the reopening phases and beyond.
Reopen: When, How, and the Unknown
Most types of retail trade businesses may have temporarily closed due to the recommended restrictions due to COVID-19. The may reopen when Phase One in Western New York is allowed to open but a having a plan is recommended.
Essential Businesses
Essential businesses must also complete a safety plan to continue to operate, and will need to affirm their industry-specific guidelines.
Non-Essential Businesses
Who: Most retail businesses were non-essential and were closed due to COVID-19.
When to Reopen: Some were allowed to continue operations. Phase One Opening: To be determined
How to Reopen: Create/update a written plan based upon the recommendations below.
Handling the Unknown: Implement a plan to be adaptable around a pandemic
NYS Reopening Phases
NYS Phase One for Retail Trade includes the following types of retail businesses.
- Clothing Stores
- Direct Selling Establishments
- Electronics and Appliance Stores
- Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses
- Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores
- Florists
- General Merchandise Stores
- Health and Personal Care Stores
- Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Goods Stores
- Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores
- Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores
- Used Merchandise Stores
- Shoe Stores
- Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument and Book Stores
- Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers
1 -NY Forward Guidelines for Retail Trade
Start by reading the NYS Phase One Guidelines for Retail Trade and complete the online form. It is important that each business confirms that they've read their sector guidelines and created their safety plans.
2- Cleaning & Safety
What changes will you be implementing?
Complete your Business Safety Plan using the Business Safety Plan Template.
Note: You are to have a business safety plan on file for inspection.
3 - Communication
Help your business be more effective by communicating plans to staff and the changes that have already occurred to the public.
Have a starting plan for what is changing in your business then spread the word on the changes internally to staff. Have another plan on how you will communicate that to your customers and subcontractors. This may be through signs and printed documents for staff.
Communicate Changes
Prior to making a change be sure to think it through as to how you will be communicating to your staff and your customers the change.
How are you planning to adapt?
COVID-19 Retail Reopening Best Practices WORKING
Retail Workers and Employers in Critical and High Customer-Volume Environments (OSHA)