Wayzata Businesses Concerned About Inability To Fully Open Doors

On Thursday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced that the Stay At Home order had been extended two weeks until May 18.

He also announced that starting Monday, May 4, retail businesses can begin offering curbside pick-up.

“(The) announcement is the right next step to help more Minnesotans safely return to work and to reopen more businesses to get our economy ramping up again,” said Walz.

“We’re allowing all customer retail establishments in Minnesota to open up outdoor curbside pickup and delivery,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove at a news conference Thursday. “This involves any retail store or business that sells, rents, or maintains or repairs goods that can reasonably get picked up outside by a customer without  entering a place of business and with limited interaction between the worker and the customer.”

“As the Governor has mentioned, this is not a full solution,” said Bruce Nustad, President of the Minnesota Retailers Association at a news conference Thursday. “This is a step. And frankly for retail, this is a really important step.”

But many say this step is not enough.

“Main Street businesses have been forced for weeks to remain closed while big box stores have been able to keep their doors open,” said Minnesota Rep. Kurt Daudt in a statement. “I know Minnesota retailers have been planning and are ready to safely serve customers in a curbside setting, but if their large competitors can be open to customer traffic, our smaller retailers should be extended the same opportunity and trust by the governor.”

Daudt’s statement mirrors how some Wayzata retailers look at the situation.

Pilates MN, Wayzata

“We do feel the government needs to give retailers more credit as many of us have set our guidelines and know how to protect our clients and customers,” said Pamela Hasselbring of Pilates MN. “We need to open our doors for the health of our clients. Our clients health is most important to them and should be in this pandemic. I think we’ve learned that the best thing we can do is be responsible for our health because this virus will take those with underlying health problems.”

The Whispering Cave, Wayzata

Schuler Shoes, Wayzata

“Curbside pick up and delivery is a good option to add, however, even with this addition, it only represents a tiny fraction of normal business,” said Kari Palmer, Creative & Marketing Director for Schuler Shoes. “The majority of our sales staff continues to be furloughed because the cost of doing business this way does not generate the revenue needed. Curbside will not bring many people back to work and the majority of our staff is ready and willing to come back.”

It’s important to note that each of these Wayzata businesses want to open their doors in a safe manner, keeping the public’s health as a top priority.

Angela Murphy, PAINT Nail Bar, Wayzata

“We believe it is time for the Governor to allow small businesses to open using proper precautions for the health and safety of our customers and staff,” said Angela Murphy, owner of Paint Nail Bar. “Paint Nail Bar is adding to our already industry leading cleanliness and sterilization standards.”

“The recent announcement which included the opening of curbside pick up and delivery for retail businesses is a step in the right direction and the trend should continue,” said Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce President Becky Pierson. “Businesses have been preparing to re-open by creating the required plans, from state officials, to safely open their businesses with the health and protection of employees and customers top of mind. With thoughtful and thorough processes in place, businesses will be ready to welcome customers back in new ways to assure employees and customers feel safe and comfortable.”

Pilates MN, Wayzata

“We’ve had a business in Wayzata for over 12 years and our staff is ready to keep our clients safe,” added Hasselbring. “We’ve taken out two Reformers to create more than six feet of space for classes and we will separate our private clients more than six feet too. We will have shoes removed outside the door. Clients will wear masks. We have classes an hour apart so we can wash all equipment and disinfect all equipment. Clients will wash their hands before and after class and trainers and therapists will dismiss clients and keep them six feet apart.”

Wayzata.com reached out to Minnesota Rep. Jerry Hertaus and  Minnesota Sen. David Osmek Friday morning for comment. Both represent Wayzata in the Minnesota legislature.

As of the time this article was published, neither lawmaker had responded.

We want to hear from you! Please post a comment to this article below.