05.21.2020

Some downtown Napa retailers reopen, others wait and see

Jennifer Huffman

napavalleyregister.com

Now that Napa County has given the green light for retailers to reopen with COVID-19 precautions, some downtown merchants have already welcomed shoppers, while others have taken a wait-and-see stance.

Leslie Parker, owner of Napa Running Company, said she’s quite happy to reopen to in-store guests. Until now, Parker had been “limping along” by offering curbside and delivery service.

Next, she needs to talk to her employees about restarting work.

“I can’t pull them off unemployment until I’m sure I can pay them,” she said. “And also I don’t know – today’s been a really good day,” she said on Wednesday.

However, “I have no idea what to expect as far as foot traffic.”

She’s hopeful other stores will also reopen, and soon. “I feel like we all need each other down here.”

First Street Napa announced that now that shoppers are expected again, signage will be installed to remind visitors of social distancing and mask wearing.

“We’re being thoughtful about our operations so we can create a safe environment for all of our tenants and guests,” said Todd Zapolski, principal and managing member, First Street Napa.