April 2020
As we are all learning to navigate a world impacted by COVID-19, we are shifting our primary focus to the health of our communities, practicing social distancing and educating our children in a whole new way. Along with these realities exists another, as we feel the rippling effects on our economy. Stay at home orders and CDC guidelines have changed the way we connect, as we avoid traveling, restaurants, religious centers, theaters, gyms and yes, our favorite stores.
We believe by being resourceful and flexible, we can move through these challenging times. A PPP Retail Member shared with us this week that she is allowing her customers to place orders on the phone, pay with a credit card and then pick up their items at the front of the gift shop (much like you would order take out to support a local restaurant). This is a terrific way to meet the needs of already weary health care workers, who may need new compression socks for long days, a fresh supply of hand sanitizer or even a birthday gift for a waiting child.
We encourage you to reach out and share what you need. We would love for you to shape our community’s conversation in the coming days and weeks. Please reach out on our social channels and share your thoughts – we’re here for you. Be Well
Networking
PPP Retail Member Store Questions
Joe Bigelow, Community Health Network Jasmine Gift Shops, Indianapolis, IN
What kind of changes do you anticipate making once the stay-at-home orders are lifted? As a gift shop leader, I feel like we’re pretty exposed so I’m thinking about steps I can take to protect staff and customers when we’re given the ok to reopen. I would imagine there are many others in our field who are considering the same kinds of things and I’d be curious to hear your thoughts.
Bev Craig, Providence AK Medical Center Gift Shop, Anchorage, AK
Do you have experience putting your gift shop on-line? If so, please share the details and we will post in our next update to help other PPP Retail Member Stores get on-line.
Share replies with us at memberteam@purchasingpowerplus.net
Updates from our Vendor Partners
Queens Designs (404) 589-9897 queensdesigns.com
Queens Designs is currently offering hand sanitizer (5 piece minimum), disposable face masks and face shields. Please note that these items are selling quickly and inventory is constantly changing. The next shipment of hand sanitizer is due on Friday, April 17. Call them with any questions. Product information is available on the website.
Amanda Blu & Co (877) 381-9494 amandablu.com
Amanda Blu’s health and wellness division ABBY MAY has KN95 masks in stock. They are offering them directly to the healthcare community, including hospital gift shops, that are providing essential services to each local community. The price is $3.25 per mask with a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) of 100 masks.
- Safety Face Mouth Protective Cover – More than 95% Filtration Efficiency.
- Suitable for protection of PM 2.5 haze particles, food, chemicals, coal dust, cement dust, metal smelting and processing manufacturing.
- 4 layers of Respiratory Protection: The outer layer blocks large particles. The structural layer builds a 3D space between your mouth and the respirator. The inner layer that is in contact with your face is a soft and comfortable cotton material.
- Lightweight design, comfortable with adjustable nose clip and elastic straps to create a protective cover for maximum protection and all-day comfort.
- Test standards EN 149-2001 – EU TESTING
- CE mark on packaging.
- FDA registered FDA cleared under Emergency Use Act.
- High-quality elastic ear bands make these masks comfortable and easy to wear for long periods of time.
- FOB KANSAS
They can be ordered online here.
Item # 805241 EAN # 69730843005.
Packs of two masks each with an International Article Number for easy retail use.
Shipping 4/24-4/28/2020
Email orders to: info@amandablu.com or call 913-381-9494
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions
FarmHouse Fresh (888) 773-9626 farmhousefreshgoods.com
Unscented Hand Sanitizer Gel Pump – New Shipment Arriving Soon. This hand sanitizer meets U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) healthcare personnel hand-washing requirements. It’s value-sized at 32 ounces. Perfect for refilling other containers you have on hand.
Kitchen Innovations (905) 833-3628 kitcheninnovationsinc.com
Updated details about hand sanitizer available. Check out this flyer for information.
- This is first come, first serve basis.
- There are no discounts though the price includes freight
- Payment is to be made via Credit Card in advance of shipment
Contact Kitchen Innovations if you have additional questions.
burton + BURTON (800) 241-2094 burtonandburton.com
burton + BURTON has been receiving a surge of requests for upbeat and supportive balloons for essential workers. Check out the flyer that features balloons focused on the theme for the heroes in your community.
Posts to Explore
Dennis East Int’l (DEI) (800) 430-5665 deidirect.com
Dennis East International has posted Tips for Retailers During COVID-19 Crisis on their website. The list includes tips received from their customers sharing what you can to do now for your business.
Natural Inspirations (952) 466-7418 naturalinspirations.com
Check out this post from one of our vendors about Social Distancing and more!
The AmericasMart
The AmericasMart shares: “As COVID-19 rapidly evolves, it’s fascinating to watch how adeptly major sectors of our economy are adapting in order to continue business while keeping safe. Here are some ways stores may continue to serve customers, and provide the life-enriching products their customers seek during this unprecedented time.”
Gifts & Decorative Accessories… shares how retailers are responding to the Coronavirus Crisis.
