Non-essential businesses get creative amid 2-week closure

Non-essential businesses get creative amid 2-week closure

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday that all non-essential businesses must close at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until at least Friday, April 17. People who work/own businesses that fall into that category are getting creative to continue reaching customers.

“I knew this was coming and had already thought about next steps,” said Jeidi Pippins. She owns sweat local, a south Huntsville gym.

Her boutique hosts online “fashion shows,” if you will, to showcase new items into the store. You can make purchases online with free shipping.

Francisco Lazo owns The Fade Factory. He, too, was expecting state leaders to make this move. However, he was hoping for more time to alert clients.

Despite a decline in business at his two locations by 80% in the past two weeks, Friday’s announcement from the Governor kept him busy with last minute appointments.

“One of our biggest concerns was can we file for unemployment. Most barbers are 1099 contractors. So, knowing that there is a possibility we can file for unemployment as well helps them out,” stated Lazo.