No one knows exactly when, but sometime soon store owners will be able to open up their doors and welcome customers in once again. It’s going to be a relief for everyone. But before it can happen, there’s some work that has to be done to get everything ready.

Every state will have their own approach to social distancing regulation. Taking the cues from practices adopted by big box retailers and essential businesses during the pandemic, we know that marking the floors to indicate proper positioning makes sense.

It’s also really important to remember that your customers visit your store because they’re in search of a specific emotional experience. How many times have you heard “I just love the way it feels in here?”

Right now, everyone’s going to be a little more aware and sensitive to their surroundings. People have been under a great deal of stress and anxiety. Social distancing is going to be part of our new normal. And -- We can choose to imbue that new normal with positive energy by focusing on healing and building strength.

You’ve worked really hard to create a specific ambiance within your store. How do you integrate social distancing into it?

One option is presenting the positioning marks as opportunities to pause, reflect and enjoy. This will look different for every store. Perhaps the social distancing marks within your store will be shaped like lotus flowers. Perhaps they will be hearts, with affirming words on each one such as Gratitude, Love, and Healing. Perhaps each one will represent one of the chakras, colored appropriately, with strategically chosen crystals displayed nearby (thank you Mary at EarthTones for this great idea!).

Visual reminders of strength and welcome can provide some much needed healing energy. Consider what your customers would enjoy. Consider what *you* would enjoy – after all, you’re in your store quite a bit!

As a community, this is a time for us to learn and grow from each other. If you’ve got some great ideas or have seen some really effective way to welcome customers in with safety and joy, let me know – I’d be happy to share them in future emails.