In the store windows, you’ve seen the fashions on display.
But until Tuesday, it was look, but don’t touch.
Cynthia Gordon waited two months to buy a spring blouse at her favourite high-end Leaside ladies wear shop. Tuesday was the day.
“I didn’t really need one,” she admitted.
But Must Boutique, on Bayview Ave., sure needed the business. Since the March 11 COVID-19 lockdown, this was the first time staff at the retail outlet could make an in-person transaction.
“I like to support our local shops and that’s why I came out today,” said Cynthia, wearing a mask.
A lot of people were like her on the first day of the new frontier of retail openings of storefront businesses.
While the big grocery and box stores got the green light to open during the pandemic, smaller operations were forced to do dark.
The dollars stopped flowing, but the bills kept coming: Rent, heat, insurance, electricity and other costs. The federal government offered some financial help, but in a place like Leaside, rents are not exactly low.
“It has been very tough,” said Trevor Noronha, of The Source Next Generation Men’s Shop, located on Bayview Ave., near Eglinton Ave. “When there is no money coming in, it’s very difficult to pay the bills.”
That said, he was one of several retailers in the area, who decided to not open up their doors just yet.
“We are taking it by appointment only for now,” he said. “We are just not quite sure where this at yet.”
Stores like Must Boutique and Modella Ladieswear were also taking a very cautious approach. Yes, their doors were opened for the first time, but with a two-customer limit and regular distancing requests.
“We just need to take it slow,” said Nicky Weller, of Modella, a popular high-end outlet in Leaside where shoppers can find the same great fashions as those in stores on Bloor St. and even on Fifth Avenue in New York. “This is a start.”
The sentiment I heard was a resounding thumbs up for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford and Mayor John Tory for their handling of the crisis.
Their efforts need to continue to include out-of-the-box thinking to give these tiny enterprises a chance to get back on their feet. Go easy on the parking tickets, inspectors and other restrictions.
Maybe let them have some street events, like the cyclists were offered over the weekend on Lakeshore Blvd.
Remember, they are not just knockdowns for the next condo building. They are the heart and soul of historic neighbourhoods — and the whole city. And they are doing their best.
While all the storefront operations seemed low on traffic, no one along Bayview has been more impacted than Express Travel which has been sending people all over the world for 40 years.
Just not anymore.
“Everybody has cancelled,” said Judy Grace. “I think it is going to be a long time for the travel industry to come back.”
Still, she and her staff were there on the first day of opening.
For her, it’s not just missing the business but also the travellers.
“We love them,” she said.
For most Toronto residents, their first big trip will be going back to the main streets to buy merchandise that may not be necessary for the customer but vital for the retailer.
Yes, you can once again buy that dress in the window.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2020
