Main Street retailers turn to the Internet during pandemic

The coronavirus may have temporarily shut down “non-essential” businesses since March, but it hasn’t stifled the creativity of Main Street retailers whose customers want to remain fashionable, even if they’re spending most of their time “safer at home.”
A presence in Miami Lakes for 25 years, Drop Boutique has shifted from greeting customers at the store to selling them clothing and accessories through a website and on Instagram.
“It actually feels odd to operate our business like this, since we have personal relationships with our clients and we are used to a one-on-one experience with them,” owner Eduardo Rodriguez said.
Despite financial challenges he and other retailers may face, as well as not knowing when normal routines will resume, stores like Drop Boutique are relying on their loyal customers to keep them in business.
“We are very thankful to our clients and the Miami Lakes community,”
Rodriguez said.
Drop Boutique has offered free shipping as a token of their appreciation for sales during this time.
They’ve also delivered orders to client’s homes and open the store several times each week for customers to pick up their purchases.
And because so many people are spending time at home, Rodriguez said he has shifted his marketing to emphasize loungewear, active wear and jewelry lines.

Drop Boutique
6767 Main St.
IG: dropboutique
www.drop-boutique.com

Snow’s Jewelers has been a destination for buyers of fine jewelry for decades.
But without customers strolling past the store, Snow’s is hoping to get those who scroll past their Instagram and Facebook pages instead.
“We have become more “online” friendly,” said Marisa Snow, a member of the third generation of Snows who own the family business.
“When we first received the news that all non-essential businesses were mandated to be closed, we immediately went into action to let our customers know,” Snow said about shifting the business to social media for the time being.
She posts pictures and videos of their jewelry lines on Instagram, and has “try-on” sessions when she models each piece and shows the prices, as shown in the photo above.
Buyers can send a direct message to the Instagram account to place an order.
Snow’s Jewelers is planning sales of some items for Mother’s Day and will have customer gifts with purchases of their popular brands, Gabriel & Co., and Ti Sento.

Snow’s Jewelers
6837 Main St.
IG: snowsjewelers_ml
FB: Snows Jewelers

Like her fashionable neighbors on Main Street, Viviana Herrera, owner of the Moda by Pasarela boutique, has adjusted to working from home.
She also helps customers make choices by modeling clothes and posting photos on Instagram.
And she has launched a website.
“We are taking advantage of this stay at home situation and building our website,” Herrera said. “We always wanted to do it and this looks like the perfect free time to do it.”
Herrera delivers
purchases to clients’ homes and says she is doing everything possible to keep in touch with her regulars and new customers, too, during these unusual times.
“I miss my clients dearly and I thank all of those who are doing their best to help local businesses,” Herrera said. “That means the world to us.”
Hererra is shown below creating custom gift baskets with Trapp scented candles, decorative matches and other items for Mother’s Day that start at $25.
To ensure safety, the store makes “contactless delivery” to customers’ doorsteps,
Herrera said.

Moda by Pasarela
6833 Main St.
IG: modabypasarela
www.shopmodagirl.com