GREEN BAY (NBC26) -- — Running a small business during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for many store owners. With many of our favorite local shops relying on foot traffic for most of their business, owners have found creative ways to accommodate customers this holiday season.
Besselli, located in Green Bay's Broadway District, usually just runs a 50 percent off sale after Christmas. This year, the store has added a gradual sale during the weeks leading up to Christmas, starting at 20, then to 25 and 30 percent off. This spaces out shoppers, said Megan Treml Besselli, store owner.
“We understand covid is just like a crazy time and we’re just trying to do whatever we can to make it easier for our customers," she said. "We’re just trying to do whatever we can to help out to make everybody feel at ease.”
It makes shoppers feel more comfortable shopping in person, said Besselli.
“I think it’s still really important to have small businesses be open because they really are the heartbeat of our community," she said.
The Ultimate Closet has also been doing something different: a personalized return policy.
“I treat each return special, I mean everybody has different circumstances," said Patti Schisel, store owner. "I just listen to what the customer has to say.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to accommodate customers, said Schisel.
“It’s different," she said. "We’re not spending time with our families like we used to. It’s just a totally different way, and I think that as a business owner, I would want a business to do that for me, so I always treat customers like I want to be treated.”
Just being open during the holidays is what shoppers need right now, said Schisel.
“We love that experience of shopping," she said. "It’s like a sport for us.”
