Spinale and Company Hair Design is closed to walk-in customers but that doesn’t mean the Swampscott shop isn’t doing business.
A stylist for 40 years, Lisa Spinale has found ways beyond her salon chairs to help clients, including a concerted effort to boost their spirits. She hopes the rainbow she painted earlier this week on the salon’s Humphrey Street window has the desired effect.
“It’s to keep spirits up and bring the neighborhood and community together,” Spinale said.
Economic decisions and Gov. Baker’s essential services order issued earlier this week led to temporary business closings across the state. But merchants are finding ways to serve their customers.
Owned and operated by Haven Project, Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company in Lynn is focusing on Haven’s primary mission — supporting young homeless adults. Executive Director Gini Mazman said coronavirus restrictions informing business decisions call for prioritizing clients over serving coffee.
“We are closed, but we will reopen,” Mazman said.
Some businesses like Kane’s Donuts in Saugus and Boston remain open with operational adjustments. The chairs and tables that made the Lincoln Avenue shop a town gathering place have been removed to support social isolation directives and floor markers map out six-foot separation boundaries for customers picking up orders.
“We’re still an affordable pleasure you can bring home,” said owner Paul Delios.
Grateful Kane’s customers have poured out their thanks.
“It’s heartwarming to see the amount of social media. I can’t believe the outpouring of blessings and thank yous,” Delios said.
Chambers of commerce and local governments have launched efforts to determine how best to help businesses during coronavirus. The City of Peabody is conducting a business survey with the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Salem State University’s Enterprise Center to conduct a business climate survey.
“Many businesses are reeling from the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The City of Peabody and the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) are partnering to help our local business community during this extraordinarily difficult time. By surveying local business owners we hope to get a sense of their needs and how we might help them going forward,” said Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt.
Lynn Chamber Director Colin Codner said gathering information from businesses is a first step for the Chamber to improve ways to help entrepreneurs.
“Being able to hear from a wide swath of businesses regarding the impact to their commerce and their life will be hugely important in advocating for solutions to best fit the need,” Codner said.
The Ninety Nine Restaurant on Salem Street in Lynnfield offered “TOGO” pickup allowing drivers to get their meals without getting out of their cars before coronavirus. The option continues to be available from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
“Like all of you, we have to adapt during these times, and we are doing so,” the restaurant chain said in an online statement.
The Lynn Chamber also unveiled “shop small, dine small bingo” urging consumers to shop or get takeout or delivery meals from 47 local establishments. Shop small support can include social media encouragement and gift card purchases for use later.
George Mastoras said Seaside Variety is open and serving customers who look forward to seeing Nahant neighbors while adhering to Mastoras’ strictly enforcing distancing guidelines.
“Everyone knows one another who comes here and I know 99 percent of the customers,” he said.
Spinale has been filling customer requests for hair products and offering video touchup tips.
“Our incredible staff and loyal clients have made us a success so I’m trying to stay open in a different way,” she said.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected].
