Re-open begins
CRMA wants to hear from you
Plans in place for Phase 2
Other news and notes from around the state
Links to live by
- Connecticut’s official “re-open” began on Wednesday of this week after much anticipation and planning.
- CRMA was pleased that as a member of the Governor’s Business Advisory Board we could help ensure that retailers could open – safely and responsibility – as soon as possible.
- We are also pleased that our efforts worked out, but more importantly, we are so proud of the retailers throughout the state that backed our promise to the Advisory Board that retailer’s would be ready.
- And from the feedback we got after the first day – you were ready!
- Just as important – we think – if your store wasn’t ready – you didn’t open.
- Again, you backed our words to the Advisory Board and the media, that retailers understand the responsibility they have to the greater community because you are part of that greater community. And you are making sure the shopping experience is a SAFE and HEALTHY EXPREIENCE.
- And that, WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF RE-OPENING.
- So, thank you for all your work to get ready and now we must make sure that we stay ready so that we can stay safe and stay open.
- One final note on re-open: with the holiday weekend upon us, we know that local officials will be closely monitoring the situation at stores and malls, very closely, so please be aware and don’t hesitate to call us or reach out via email (tim@ctretailnetwork.com) if you have any questions or run into any issues with local or state officials this weekend.
CRMA needs your input
- With re-open taking place and retailers getting back to some normality, it is important for CRMA to continue to stay close to members so that we can continue to be your link to decision makers in the state.
- So, to that end, beginning next week we will be doing a series of quick online survey’s that we have developed. The results of these surveys, which will cover a variety of topics from re-open issues to general retail issues, will help guide us as we move along in these unprecedented times.
- Look for our first survey in next weeks FF.
A look ahead to Phase 2
- This week, we also got a brief look at what CT reopening might look like as Gov. Lamont outlined plans for phase two of Connecticut’s reopening, to begin on June 20.
- Businesses scheduled to reopen on that date include hotels, libraries, gyms and sports clubs, as well as bowling alleys, movie theaters, pools, museums, zoos and aquariums, according to the state’s plan. The Hartford Courant has the details here.
- CRMA is here to assist those retailers with any questions or issues they have with Phase 2 re-open. So, if you are involved in any of those business listed above and have any questions, please reach out to CRMA President Tim Phelan at tim@ctretailnetwork.com
Other News and notes from around the state
- Connecticut’s tribal casinos are aiming to reopen on June 1, despite Gov. Lamont’s concerns that it is too soon. The Hartford Courant reports on the plans at the casinos here.
- CT Malls are the best in the region, and they did a great job in working with CRMA and the Business Advisory board in working towards re-opening demonstrating a thoughtful and detailed plan for safe and healthy re-open.
- Connecticut’s economy took a devastating hit in April with an historic 266,300 jobs lost as coronavirus restrictions forced business slowdowns and closures. CBIA has the numbers here.
- All six of the state’s main labor markets declined last month, with Hartford losing 75,500 jobs or 12.9%. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk lost 70,800 jobs (-17.6%), followed by New Haven (-41,400; -14.3%); Norwich-New London-Westerly (-34,200; -26.7%); Danbury (-13,300; -17.3%); and Waterbury (-10,000; -14.7%).
- Connecticut’s unemployment claim applications have jumped to 544,000, according to Department of Labor officials. Claims were delayed this week due to a state computer glitch. CTNewsJunkie has the details here.
- CRMA member CVS Health is opening 13 new COVID-19 test sites at drive-thru locations in Connecticut. These test sites, which are set to open today, are in addition to the 12 locations the company previously opened last week. Patients must register in advance at CVS.com to schedule an appointment. Locations include Bristol, Burlington, Danbury, East Hartford, East Lyme, Fairfield, Hartford, Putnam, Stamford, Uncasville and West Haven.
- The chief lobbying group for Connecticut municipalities criticized Gov. Ned Lamont for not funneling emergency federal pandemic funding directly to cities and towns. The story about the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities can be seen in the CT Mirror here.
- Lamont signed an Executive Order allowing Connecticut residents to vote by absentee ballot in the August 11 primaries. The Governor’s website has the latest Executive Order here.
Links to live by
- Check the CRMA website for links to the state’s reopening guidelines and resources for retailers, including an exclusive package for retailers of the signage now required by the state. Access the CRMA Retail Business Information Center here.
- A “tidal wave” of buyers are fleeing the coronavirus-ravaged concrete jungle of New York for Connecticut, creating an unexpected uptick in the real estate market, according to a new report. The New York Post has the story.
- We’re Here To Help! For questions about your retail business and the state’s reopen guidelines, contact CRMA President Tim Phelan at 860-527-1044 or tim@ctretailnetwork.com
CRMA’s Friday Facts is sponsored by the law firm of Hurwitz, Sagarin, Slossberg & Knuff. Based in Milford, the firm specializes in Business Litigation, Land Use and Real Estate, Employment Disputes, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Responsive and personalized service has been their hallmark for more than 40 years. Learn more at https://www.hssklaw.com/ Thank you for supporting CRMA and Connecticut’s retailers!