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For Bookstore Owners, Reopening Holds Promise and Peril For Bookstore Owners, Reopening Holds Promise and Peril
(about 11 hours later)
Last fall, Kyle Hall’s bookstore was destroyed by a tornado. This spring, it was almost wiped out by a pandemic.Last fall, Kyle Hall’s bookstore was destroyed by a tornado. This spring, it was almost wiped out by a pandemic.
For the past two months, ever since Texas ordered nonessential businesses to shut down, Mr. Hall, the manager and co-owner of Interabang Books in Dallas, has taken one unprecedented step after another to keep the store open. In March, Interabang transformed from a brick-and-mortar shop into an online retail business. When the stay-at-home order was lifted at the end of April, it became a curbside takeout operation. Staff members redesigned the storefront display, cramming 100 titles in the window so that customers could browse at a safe distance.For the past two months, ever since Texas ordered nonessential businesses to shut down, Mr. Hall, the manager and co-owner of Interabang Books in Dallas, has taken one unprecedented step after another to keep the store open. In March, Interabang transformed from a brick-and-mortar shop into an online retail business. When the stay-at-home order was lifted at the end of April, it became a curbside takeout operation. Staff members redesigned the storefront display, cramming 100 titles in the window so that customers could browse at a safe distance.
“We called it the bookstore bakery case,” Mr. Hall said. “That was strange, but in a week we got used to it.”“We called it the bookstore bakery case,” Mr. Hall said. “That was strange, but in a week we got used to it.”
Then the state’s orders changed again, and retailers were told they could open at 25 percent their usual capacity. Interabang’s staff reorganized the layout of the 2,000-square-foot space and put markers on the floor to signal how far apart customers should stand. This past weekend, around 150 customers came to shop, most wearing masks.Then the state’s orders changed again, and retailers were told they could open at 25 percent their usual capacity. Interabang’s staff reorganized the layout of the 2,000-square-foot space and put markers on the floor to signal how far apart customers should stand. This past weekend, around 150 customers came to shop, most wearing masks.
“We felt like, if the governor is going to allow businesses like ours to reopen, and doing business was permissible, then we wanted to do it,” Mr. Hall said.“We felt like, if the governor is going to allow businesses like ours to reopen, and doing business was permissible, then we wanted to do it,” Mr. Hall said.
Even as health experts working with the Trump administration warned a Senate panel on Tuesday against reopening the country too quickly, the U.S. retail sector is beginning to get back to business. As some states allow a handful of businesses to reopen and other regions charge ahead full throttle, it is an experiment for bookstore owners and other retailers attempting to strike a balance between staying afloat and keeping workers and customers safe.Even as health experts working with the Trump administration warned a Senate panel on Tuesday against reopening the country too quickly, the U.S. retail sector is beginning to get back to business. As some states allow a handful of businesses to reopen and other regions charge ahead full throttle, it is an experiment for bookstore owners and other retailers attempting to strike a balance between staying afloat and keeping workers and customers safe.
Interabang may be something of an optimistic outlier for now. Elsewhere in Texas,Valerie Koehler, the owner of the Houston bookstore Blue Willow, said she and her staff are unsettled by the prospect of shoppers roaming through the store.Interabang may be something of an optimistic outlier for now. Elsewhere in Texas,Valerie Koehler, the owner of the Houston bookstore Blue Willow, said she and her staff are unsettled by the prospect of shoppers roaming through the store.
“The staff resoundingly said, ‘We are not ready,’” she said.“The staff resoundingly said, ‘We are not ready,’” she said.
Among retail businesses, bookstores, especially smaller independent stores, face particular challenges as they navigate reopening. Many indies occupy cramped spaces with warrens of bookshelves, and serve as community centers and cultural outposts as much as retail operations. Book lovers often come in to linger, browse and chat with the staff about what to read next, all behaviors that in a pandemic are potentially life-threatening.Among retail businesses, bookstores, especially smaller independent stores, face particular challenges as they navigate reopening. Many indies occupy cramped spaces with warrens of bookshelves, and serve as community centers and cultural outposts as much as retail operations. Book lovers often come in to linger, browse and chat with the staff about what to read next, all behaviors that in a pandemic are potentially life-threatening.
Some booksellers are now in the awkward position of having to disappoint eager customers. Malaprop’s in Asheville, N.C., told subscribers to its newsletter that even though the state had cleared bookstores to open, it would remain closed until at least May 19. When it reopens, shoppers will be allowed to visit by appointment only, to limit the number of people in the store, and face coverings will be mandatory.Some booksellers are now in the awkward position of having to disappoint eager customers. Malaprop’s in Asheville, N.C., told subscribers to its newsletter that even though the state had cleared bookstores to open, it would remain closed until at least May 19. When it reopens, shoppers will be allowed to visit by appointment only, to limit the number of people in the store, and face coverings will be mandatory.
In Georgia, where some businesses were allowed to open in late April, Frank Reiss, the owner of A Cappella Books in Atlanta, said his store is sticking with deliveries and curbside orders. “I am not anticipating reopening to the public in quite a while,” he said. “The responsible thing is not to encourage people gathering.”In Georgia, where some businesses were allowed to open in late April, Frank Reiss, the owner of A Cappella Books in Atlanta, said his store is sticking with deliveries and curbside orders. “I am not anticipating reopening to the public in quite a while,” he said. “The responsible thing is not to encourage people gathering.”
Some larger bookstore companies are taking a more bullish approach. Last week, Books-A-Million said it was reopening the majority of its 200 outlets after implementing some safety measures, including masks for employees, acrylic barriers at checkout counters and self-distancing markers in the aisles.Some larger bookstore companies are taking a more bullish approach. Last week, Books-A-Million said it was reopening the majority of its 200 outlets after implementing some safety measures, including masks for employees, acrylic barriers at checkout counters and self-distancing markers in the aisles.
Barnes & Noble has opened 31 of its outlets in 10 states, and by the end of this week it plans to open 20 more stores in five additional states. Another 500 of its stores are doing curbside sales. In stores that are open for browsing, furniture has been removed and signs encouraging social distancing are placed at the entrance and throughout the store. Booksellers will wear masks, and customers will be required to wear masks in places where the state mandates it. Trolleys have been set out with signs instructing customers to leave any books they have touched on the cart, so that the books can be placed in quarantine for five days — long enough for any potential viral particles to die off — then reshelved.Barnes & Noble has opened 31 of its outlets in 10 states, and by the end of this week it plans to open 20 more stores in five additional states. Another 500 of its stores are doing curbside sales. In stores that are open for browsing, furniture has been removed and signs encouraging social distancing are placed at the entrance and throughout the store. Booksellers will wear masks, and customers will be required to wear masks in places where the state mandates it. Trolleys have been set out with signs instructing customers to leave any books they have touched on the cart, so that the books can be placed in quarantine for five days — long enough for any potential viral particles to die off — then reshelved.
James Daunt, the company’s chief executive, said that Barnes & Noble stores, with their more spacious layouts, are well positioned to operate safely.James Daunt, the company’s chief executive, said that Barnes & Noble stores, with their more spacious layouts, are well positioned to operate safely.
“We’re thankful that we sell a product that is pretty easy to manage from a health and safety perspective,” he said. “Sales are dramatically down, but haven’t been eviscerated in quite the way they have been for fashion retailers.”“We’re thankful that we sell a product that is pretty easy to manage from a health and safety perspective,” he said. “Sales are dramatically down, but haven’t been eviscerated in quite the way they have been for fashion retailers.”
But giant retailers that operate warehouses have additional workplace safety issues to contend with. Amazon and Barnes & Noble have had outbreaks of coronavirus in their warehouses, and last month an employee at Barnes & Noble’s New Jersey distribution center died from complications related to coronavirus, a company spokesman confirmed. The company said the distribution center had safety measures in place since early March, such as providing gloves and cloth face masks for employees, reducing the number of staff members in the warehouses, disinfecting work stations and equipment and closing the facility periodically for deep cleaning.But giant retailers that operate warehouses have additional workplace safety issues to contend with. Amazon and Barnes & Noble have had outbreaks of coronavirus in their warehouses, and last month an employee at Barnes & Noble’s New Jersey distribution center died from complications related to coronavirus, a company spokesman confirmed. The company said the distribution center had safety measures in place since early March, such as providing gloves and cloth face masks for employees, reducing the number of staff members in the warehouses, disinfecting work stations and equipment and closing the facility periodically for deep cleaning.
The pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis struck at a moment when booksellers across the country were thriving. After many smaller retailers were crushed by the rise of Amazon, a shift among consumers toward local shopping helped to drive a resurgence among independent booksellers. The number of independent bookstores across the country rose to 2,524 store locations in 2019, up from 1,651 in 2009, according to the American Booksellers Association’s membership figures.The pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis struck at a moment when booksellers across the country were thriving. After many smaller retailers were crushed by the rise of Amazon, a shift among consumers toward local shopping helped to drive a resurgence among independent booksellers. The number of independent bookstores across the country rose to 2,524 store locations in 2019, up from 1,651 in 2009, according to the American Booksellers Association’s membership figures.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The coronavirus outbreak threatens to wipe out those gains. When stay-at-home orders went into effect, most U.S. bookstores closed. Many had to furlough or lay off their staff.The coronavirus outbreak threatens to wipe out those gains. When stay-at-home orders went into effect, most U.S. bookstores closed. Many had to furlough or lay off their staff.
Even when stores do open, it will be difficult to recover lost revenue. Foot traffic will be down, either because states have limited how many shoppers can enter stores or because customers are concerned about going in. Most bookstores rely on author signings and community events to drive sales, and such gatherings are unlikely to be safe until the pandemic has passed.Even when stores do open, it will be difficult to recover lost revenue. Foot traffic will be down, either because states have limited how many shoppers can enter stores or because customers are concerned about going in. Most bookstores rely on author signings and community events to drive sales, and such gatherings are unlikely to be safe until the pandemic has passed.
“Sales are down across channels, and the cost of business is going up,” said Allison Hill, the chief executive of the American Booksellers Association.“Sales are down across channels, and the cost of business is going up,” said Allison Hill, the chief executive of the American Booksellers Association.
In California, where last Friday the state began allowing bookstores to offer curbside shopping, some booksellers remain wary. The California Independent Booksellers Alliance this week is hosting a virtual town hall for booksellers with a nurse practitioner.In California, where last Friday the state began allowing bookstores to offer curbside shopping, some booksellers remain wary. The California Independent Booksellers Alliance this week is hosting a virtual town hall for booksellers with a nurse practitioner.
“We’re really trying to operate with caution,” Calvin Crosby, the group’s executive director, said. “What is right for the bookstore in this town is not going to be right for the bookstore in the next town.”“We’re really trying to operate with caution,” Calvin Crosby, the group’s executive director, said. “What is right for the bookstore in this town is not going to be right for the bookstore in the next town.”
The Book Catapult, an independent store in San Diego that will begin offering limited curbside shopping this week, is asking customers to wear masks and practice social distancing when they come to pick up books. Seth Marko, one of the store’s co-owners, said he’s not eager to open the store for browsing.The Book Catapult, an independent store in San Diego that will begin offering limited curbside shopping this week, is asking customers to wear masks and practice social distancing when they come to pick up books. Seth Marko, one of the store’s co-owners, said he’s not eager to open the store for browsing.
“If we are concerned with keeping the store sanitized, safe for customers and booksellers, and limiting the number of people through the doors, then the virus is still too prevalent, and we should not be encouraging things like shopping for books in person just yet,” he said. “Believe me, we would like nothing more than to go back to normal, just like everyone else.”“If we are concerned with keeping the store sanitized, safe for customers and booksellers, and limiting the number of people through the doors, then the virus is still too prevalent, and we should not be encouraging things like shopping for books in person just yet,” he said. “Believe me, we would like nothing more than to go back to normal, just like everyone else.”