Some stores allowed to reopen say it’s still too soon

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The pandemic has forced Kim Clark of Rhody Craft to get extra crafty.

Without foot traffic at her Hope Street store, she’s turned to shipping online orders.

“Really laborious,” said Clark. “I’m just here by myself all day. It’s no fun, I miss my customers.”

But even though she’s allowed to welcome them back starting today, she’s holding off on that for now.

“I think it’s too soon,” Clark said. “We have invested so much in social distancing and trying to flatten the curve, I’d hate to see that thrown away. I think we have a long way to go.”

It’s a similar story at Henry Bear’s Park, a toy store where it’s curbside pickup only.

Staff is still working to reconfigure the store for social distancing, and make it a safe environment for shoppers — including kids.

“Getting your store into a place where you feel comfortable with customers coming in, so they feel comfortable to shop,” said manager Ashley Allen. “You want to make sure you have everything orderly, clean, neat. And it’s also a staffing thing, getting your staff back in the store.”

It’s a different approach at Camera Werks, where customers are now allowed inside on a limited basis.

“They’re apprehensive,” said owner Patricia Zacks. :Should I come in, is it okay? But we keep our distance.”

And one customer says that hesitation from the public could be around for a while.

“It makes sense to start slowly,” said Scott Haltzman of Providence. “The people that I know are just as anxious about going to stores as stores are anxious about having people come in.”