Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state is prepared to move toward reopening the economy, starting with the gradual reopening, with adaptation and modifications, of lower-risk workplaces including bookstores, clothing stores, florists and sporting goods stores. And that would include, in some cases, the manufacturers that supply the retailers.  The possible Friday openings do not include offices, seated dining at restaurants, shopping malls or schools, however.
But while this may sound like good news for our local stores, retailers like Pickett Fences, Chevalier’s Books and Landis Gifts & Stationery are trying to figure out what this announcement means for them.
“It’s super confusing,” Joane Pickett of Pickett Fences told the Buzz. “I am happy to offer curbside pick up if I am allowed, but the Mayor hasn’t given permission yet.”
Pickett said she’s happy to continue to make contactless deliveries to her customers who can shop on her social media and website. Pickett told us she welcomes the curbside option as a step to re-opening, but she’d much rather be able to have customers back in the store.
Chevalier’s Books is currently planning to offer curbside pickup starting May 15, before reopening the rest of the store, staff told us today, noting that they will adapt to any future updates from the city.
In the meantime, Chevalier’s has been sending out emails to customers announcing new arrivals by their favorite authors. These include Percival Everett’s riveting new novel Telephone with…wait for it…three different endings…and National Book Award winner Elizabeth Acevedo’s latest Clap When You Land, along with the 2020 Pulitzer winners (full list), are all available for online ordering with free local delivery.
Edie Frére, owner of Landis Stationery, echoed the sentiments from the other retailers. Frére has been helping customers over the phone and via email. She told us she’ll be open midday for curbside pick up at 138 North Larchmont Boulevard, Monday through Friday, beginning May 8th. So if you’re looking for a last-minute Mother’s Day gif,t contact her at [email protected] or by phone at (323) 465-7003 to verify her hours, which are tentatively set for 11 to 3.
In the interim, Frére is hoping she can reopen the store on May 15, when Mayor Eric Garcetti’s stay at home order is currently scheduled to end.