Personal interaction is rapidly becoming a limited resource while we work to keep our distance and slow the spread of COVID-19. Staying away from friends and family is one thing, but physical touch is baked into beauty and wellness. When touch is critical to your business, what do you do?  

You may be worried about the impact that COVID-19 is having on the businesses you love. Some may be reducing their hours or decreasing what services they provide. Others may be shutting their doors to the public, either as a precaution or to comply with city or state directives. As many of your favorite small businesses struggle to survive, they’re getting creative. Here’s what they may be doing to ensure they’re waiting for you on the other side.  

Sending retail to the rescue 

If they sell something you buy, their online store may still be open for business. Familiar products, like that amazing massage oil, shampoo, or essential oil, can help you bring their good vibes home. Some businesses are even offering free shipping, curbside pickup, or delivery.  Tenoverten, a nail salon based in New York, saw online sales double in the last few days. What better way to offer your support! 

Seeking community assistance 

Just because the business may need to close doesn’t mean the good work has to stop. While these businesses are planning for their relaunch, they may be asking for your help to spread the word. We’ve seen salons set up review campaigns, gathering testimonials to use when they can open again. You can leave them a review on the Mindbody app or send them an uplifting note about what their business means to you by finding them online. 

Reducing services and availability 

If your favorite business remains open, you can bet they’re taking careful consideration of sanitation and how and when they’re touching their customers. Some states are restricting which services can be offered right now. Check with the business to see what they may have available.  

If a business offers a limited amount of services already, they may be reducing availability. Adding more time between appointments, for example, allows for in-depth cleaning. Don’t be afraid to ask what precautions they’re taking.  
 

Granting appointment flexibility 

If you have an appointment already scheduled, or you’re worried that plans may change, expect greater flexibility. Many businesses are no longer charging cancellation fees, so you can cancel without penalty if you aren’t feeling well. Others will allow you to reschedule for down the road when things improve. 

Putting people first 

In times of crisis, we’re all trying to put people first. You may find fewer staff members available, and that’s a good thing. Whether someone isn’t feeling well or needs some self-care of their own, that’s what best for them and for you.  

Keeping it extra clean 

You may notice extra effort being put into sanitation, too. Mylkbar, a nail salon with two locations in Charleston, SC, and Nashville, TN, is putting cleanliness front and center for their clients. The salon uses autoclaves to sterilize tools, offers hand sanitizer to customers, and provides transparency into its cleaning schedule via social media. (They clean each day at open and close, as well as a professional deep clean once a week.)  

Staying connected 

Staying in touch has never felt more important. While family and friends are always front and center, expect to see businesses stretching their communication muscles. They don’t want you to forget about them! Say hi on social media, reply to their newsletter, and consider using video to connect for 1:1 appointments or consultations. They can still offer the advice they’d give in-person, online.  

Remember, we are getting through this together, and together we will emerge stronger. To show your local studios support during this time, please visit them on Mindbody.io or in the Mindbody app and find your favorite classes or one you've always wanted to try. Also, tag them on social media, along with @Mindbody, and we will support in any way we can.