May 2020

Networking

PPP Retail Member Store Question

 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.

PPP Retail Member Store Replies

Kim Wallace, St. Joseph’s Hospital South Sawgrass Gift Shop, Riverview, FL

Anyone entering the hospital has to wear a mask (and we offer them for sale in the gift shop), only a few people are allowed in the shop at a time, hand sanitizer station set up outside shop must sanitize before entering

Scott DiPierro, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center Gift Shop, Toledo, OH

I believe Hospital administration will mandate safety precautions and anticipate the use of plexiglas barriers at check out, gloves, masks etc..

Mim Tchida, Northern Montana Hospital Northern Stop n’ Shop, Havre, MT

Masks are available for all employees – we are considering plexiglas barriers, They disinfect all surfaces end of day. Temp screen is taken before they even enter hospital

Lisa Janisch, Mainstreet Gifts at Denver Health, Denver, CO

Custom cloth Masks with their hospital logo are available in the shop. Already in place – Masks, gloves and plexiglas barriers at point of purchase.

Elizabeth Preston, Hancock Regional Hospital Guild Inc. Gift Shop, Greenfield, IN

Plans for safety of employees and guests include wearing masks, regular deep cleaning and ensuring social distancing (6 feet minimum).

Sara Cutts, Osceola Medical Center Gift Shop, Osceola, WI

We will limit shoppers to ensure social distancing guidelines can be met, hand sanitizer stations will be set up and its use will be mandatory for all entering the shops as will the use of face coverings.  We will be sanitizing the credit card terminal after each transaction. (I’m assuming we may lose some volunteers due to fear of coming back.)

Zoom

We would like to  host an interactive Zoom session with and for PPP Retail Members.  If you would be interested – please let us know, by May 15th.  The topic would be “Best Retail Practices to Reopen during COVID-19”.  Email us at memberteam@purchasingpowerplus.net 

Face Masks

PPP Vendor Partner, First and Main Inc. is offering FDA Approved Disposable Face Masks.

Posts to Explore

National Retail Federation’s Operations Open Doors Checklist

SURVIVE & THRIVE: YOUR GUIDE TO NAVIGATING COVID-19 AT YOUR STORE – The retail landscape has changed dramatically due to COVID-19. It has been a strange and unpredictable time as store owners work to navigate the new challenges it has presented. Gift Shop is pleased to offer an exclusive Survive & Thrive Guide with tips, tools and tactics to help you survive — and thrive — as you reopen your business.

Industry News

Dallas Market Center has postponed its June edition of Total Home & Gift Market to new dates, Aug. 19-25, while additional, smaller format buying events will be held throughout the summer.

Tips for Working From Home

With the recent pandemic, Stay at Home orders required us to adapt to working from home and over-coming the challenges of distractions, communication, and being effective. We want to share tips to help you work more productively while preparing and planning for the second half of 2020. We hope these tips will help you to get more out of at home work hours. You won’t believe how much you can accomplish each day!

Keep a Set Work Schedule

The first step to ensure productivity while working from home are set work hours. It can be tempting to give yourself total flexibility, but keeping yourself to at least some amount of consistent schedule keeps you accountable to yourself and your boss. When setting your schedule availability, consider time when your company and boss need you, time to communicate with your coworkers and customers, and the time of day when you are most productive.

Plan Your Workflow

Planning your work day helps to keep you focused and productive. Begin the day by creating your plan; a list of priorities, the amount of time to accomplish each, and additional tasks if you have extra time. Consider your work style and when you are most effective. Would working on the highest priority and challenging tasks first thing in the morning, when you have more energy, work best for you? If so, create your work plan with those tasks at the top.  Don’t forget to include and plan for breaks throughout the day.

Break Up The Day

Take a Break! Throughout the day, be sure to get up from your desk and move around and get your blood flowing; take a walk, grab a healthy snack, get some fresh air, or talk with another person. Don’t get too distracted. Ten to 30 minutes is great for shorter breaks, and an hour or two is perfect for lunch.

Dress For Work

It’s important to dress for work. The activity of getting ready for the day tells your brain that it’s work time, not relaxation time. Preparing for your day gives you more energy and motivation. It’s also a good opportunity to shift your thinking to a “work” mindset.

Create an At-Home Office

Working from your couch, comfy chair, or bed can take a toll on your productivity. Try to work from a consistent space, room, desk, or chair; telling your brain it’s work time. A dedicated space will help you to feel more alert, confident, and organized. Create a space where you are comfortable and productive.

Set Boundaries

Being efficient when working from home is all about boundaries. To stay focused while working, encourage kids, pets, your spouse, or roommates to respect your work space. Try to keep the boundaries friendly and playful; a fun idea is a sign for the door of your office that indicates whether you’re working or not.

Be Inspired

No coworkers around to be distracted, great! Go ahead and play music that motivates you; a soothing soundtrack, nature sounds, instrumental, or the latest pop hit. Select what works best for you.

Stay in the Loop

The potential for collaboration and socialization doesn’t need to vanish when you work at home. Check in with coworkers by email, phone, or video conference a couple of times per week to keep up on a personal level and professional level. Share things that are most important, and encourage your coworkers to do the same.

Quick Survey

Take our three question survey by May 15th and you will be entered twice into our May buzz worthy giveaway from ebba!