LAKEWOOD, Ohio — For the owners of Lion and Blue in Lakewood, everything they do is in the name of safety. As retail stores across the state continue to reopen, this local gift shop is doing things on its own terms.
So far, the store has survived by offering curbside pick-up and it isn’t prepared to bring the general public in just yet.
The owners have installed sneeze guards, disinfectant stations and bought a steamer for all of its clothes. When customers are allowed back in the store, they will be required to use a face covering.
"We know there are some things that we can do that are going to help,” said Tina Dolatowski, owner of Lion and Blue. “I’m not saying that they're going to prevent it, but they're going to help. so we're doing here as much as we can to facilitate that for our employees for ourselves."
Last month, Gov. DeWine changed directions and said shoppers were not required to wear masks, but it was strongly recommended. Even though Ohio doesn’t require masks for shoppers, for small businesses like Lion and Blue that’s fighting to survive, there’s really no option.
“If any of us gets sick, we’re closed. I mean we’re closed for the two weeks. For quarantine and everything. And I need to stay open,” she said.
Lion and Blue plans to take customers by appointment only with the next week or so, but in the meantime, they will continue to offer curbside pick-up.
