As Richmond adjusts to its “new normal,” local businesses are often left wondering what that looks like for them. The nimbleness that comes with being a small business, often with owners on the ground working daily in the store or restaurant, has allowed many Richmond area businesses to quickly pivot and adapt their business model, focusing on delivery and curbside pick-up in order to meet customers’ needs. Some, however, are doing a more significant pivot: switching up their product offerings to meet essential needs for either healthcare workers or customers.
As a compounding pharmacy, Bremo Pharmacy is no stranger to mixing up formulas but when the COVID-19 crisis hit, they shifted gears and began producing hand sanitizer as well. Unlike many national pharmacies, Bremo offers their sanitizer online with quick shipping.
Local Carytown gift boutique, GlassBoat, has been a go-to source for gifters in Richmond for years, but is now offering a new item for people to gift – beautifully made face masks. Recently, they even touted children’s-sized masks for Easter basket additions.
Short Pump chocolatier, Chocolates by Kelly, has put her laser, typically used in the production of chocolate molds, to use creating medical face shields through a local makers group, RVA Makers.
What small businesses have you seen completely pivot to offer necessary essentials?