On Tuesday evening, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that local retail shops could start allowing customers back into their stores. Some shops on Larchmont are moving quickly to accommodate customers immediately, while others are still working through the City’s extensive checklist to make sure shopping is safe for everyone.
Among the first to open for customers today is Pickett Fences, at 219 N. Larchmont.
“I’m so excited, it’s like our fist day of business,” owner Joane Pickett told the Buzz earlier today.
Pickett scrambled to change the layout of the store, removing some display tables and other items “to make sure everyone feels really safe and comfortable,” explained Pickett. There’s blue tape on the floor directing customers around the store, along with sanitizing stations for customers when they enter and exit the store. Pickett and her staff are continuing sanitizing the store after customers visit.
For now, Pickett said she’s keeping the same store hours she’s had, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until she can figure things out. She also said the store is not accepting cash, only credit cards or Apple Pay.
Also opening today is Flicka Kids Shop, at 204 N. Larchmont. Kristin Sato, who was featured in a news segment on KTLA-TV earlier this week, told the Buzz she is open today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. She’s not sure yet when the store will resume normal business hours.
Meanwhile, Edie Frére, of Landis Gifts and Stationery, said she’s hoping to allow customers in the store starting somewhere between June 1 and June 15.
“It’s complicated,” explained Frére. Small shops like hers have to devise one-way circulation patterns, so customers don’t get crowded together. Frére also needs to be able to clean everything that a customer might pick up. Frére told the Buzz she would have appreciated having more time to figure it out…but in the meantime, she’s still offering curbside pick-up Monday through Friday from noon to 3 p.m. Appointments for wedding and party invitations, or other social stationery, can be made by contacting her directly.
Finally, Paula Carlotta, at Alegria Bazaar, who was also featured on KTLA earlier this week, is not yet open for in-store shopping, but is still offering appointment to customers.
We reached out to other retailers, too, but haven’t heard back from many yet, as they’re still sorting out plans. We will keep you posted on other openings as we hear about them. And if you do head over to Larchmont, please remember to wear facial coverings when shopping, to help keep everyone safe.
