In Mid-March, we felt it was important to highlight local small businesses that were adapting quickly to keep their business operating while protecting their customers and employees during COVID-19. For some, that looked like closing their store and switching to online sales temporarily, for others, it was about limiting the number of people in their physical space and providing delivery and curbside pickup. By now, uncertainty and shifting priorities have become something we are all accustomed to. The impact of the pandemic on our families, communities, and businesses have been felt deeply. It has not been easy, but we've also seen many people come together and support each other through unprecedented events.
As our city opens back up with safety measures in place, we asked some local businesses across different industries about how they are doing. Some are returning to business as usual, while others are reimagining their business model or operation moving forward.
Business Owners:
Kathy Buttry | Artist & Member, 50 Penn Place Art Gallery
Sarah Bytyqi | Managing Broker, Verbode
Jo Meacham | Owner & Designer, Urban Kitchens
Brandon Burt | Vice President, Suburban Contemporary Furniture
Lauren Warkentine | Founder & Ceo, William & Lauren
Q: As we adjust to life during and post COVID-19 crisis, are you considering a new business model or small changes that will remain for the foreseeable future? If so, what are the differences?
Lauren Warkentine: Yes, we always had plans for more virtual and online options, but it was not a priority until this point. With COVID it forced us to pivot to those options immediately; we will maintain those options and continue to invest in them.
Brandon Burt: We are considering going to an appointment only for the foreseeable future. It not only helps us to know who will be stopping by to shop and when, but it allows our sales staff to adequately prepare to better serve our customers.
Kathy Buttry: We are tentatively considering re-opening our gallery. Opening receptions and Artist Paint-In/Demos will likely be delayed a bit later than that, although dates aren't determined yet. A "Thank you for wearing a mask" sign will be posted.
Sarah Bytyqi: Small changes. We moved away from private Open Houses and are working on Virtual Open Houses.
Jo Meacham: We immediately developed an online program for our customers, and it has worked very well. They are sending us information about their remodeling projects, and we are meeting online to discuss the project. We were very fortunate to have ongoing kitchen projects. Each of those projects was contained, and our subcontractors were able to easily come and go without going through the main house. We are currently finishing those projects and have moved on to a few new ones.
Q: What do you think are the specific challenges & opportunities for your industry?
Sarah Bytyqi: Navigating keeping everything clean during the home selling/buying process, limiting our face to face interaction with clients and the general public. Opportunities are finding new ways to promote our homes in a digital atmosphere.
Kathy Buttry: (in regards to opportunity) COVID-19 has opened the discussion for the possibility of online sales for 50 Penn Place Art Gallery.
Q: What are you optimistic about?
Sarah Bytyqi: The future of real estate in OKC looks robust!
Lauren Warkentine: I know businesses will recover, at what speed is unknown, but I know they will. I'm also really optimistic that people have really slowed down and reconnected.
Jo Meacham: While the phone is not ringing, as usual, we are getting some inquiries. Many of our colleagues in the building industry have continued working through this unusual time. It is to be seen how interested homeowners are in taking on large projects during the latter part of this year.
Q: Are you inspired by any other small business owners right now who are finding creative solutions or offering words of comfort or wisdom?
Brandon Burt: We belong to a network of similar stores just like us, and daily we email back and forth words of encouragement, triumphs, and, more importantly, support during this time of great transition and change. It has become very uplifting and a very nice opportunity to lift others up when they are struggling with this new normal we are living in.
Lauren Warkentine: Yes. I have been so inspired watching the community come together and how we've pivoted. Innovation comes from necessity, and I believe there has already and will continue to be so much innovation and creativity that will come from this.
I know business will recover, at what speed is unknown, but I know it will. I'm also really optimistic that people have really slowed down and reconnected. - Lauren Warkentine of William & Lauren
