Seattle retailer featured on KOMO TV – is Ready to Open

May 8, 2020
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Written by wpengine
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KOMO TV this week featured WR-member Bedrooms & More in its coverage of statewide retailers preparing to reopen with curbside pickup of merchandise.

Owner Blake Garfield, a WR board member, said he has set up his Wallingford store and Seattle warehouse to handle curbside delivery and is ready to reopen as soon as Governor Jay Inslee agrees to safety protocols with retailers.

The report mentioned landscaping, auto dealers, car washes and dog walkers among the categories waiting for approval to reopen their businesses. Under Inslee’s Stay Home Stay Healthy order, chain stores such as groceries and pharmacies have remained open as essential while others considered non-essential had to close.

John Engber, WR’s Seattle contract lobbyist and Director of the Retail Industry Coalition of Seattle, told reporter Joel Moreno that retailers are eager to reopen even if only with the opportunity for limited sales. Inslee hopes to allow sales inside stores with precautions once he’s comfortable that new safety protocols will protect shoppers and employees.

Inslee has announced he expects to reopen more retailers soon and knows they are anxious to again be serving customers.

Garfield reportedly has taken out a loan to continue paying employees while he prepares to reopen. He’s also stocked up on masks and hand sanitizer for protection.

Watch the report here.