As coronavirus rightfully dominates our attention, we’re all experiencing concerns and anxiety about how we’ll conduct our lives, what the impact may be for our families, and how soon this crisis will be over. These are uncertain and unprecedented times, to be sure.
At The Annapolis Pottery, we’ve responded with all the same precautions others have. First, the health and well-being of our team is our priority. Given that we’re a small company, it’s been really easy to speak candidly with everyone about their concerns and personal risks and to make sure we’re doing all we can to accommodate and assist each person. It’s a day-to-day discussion as new information comes forth.
One thing that’s clear…since our hands are perpetually in the clay, we all wash our hands a LOT even under normal circumstances. Now we’re using a bit more soap and singing a song while we do it!
March is typically a time where people begin visiting Annapolis as the weather warms. We’ve seen a noticeable decrease in foot traffic over the last 10 days as workplaces and schools go virtual and social distancing becomes the norm. So how can we engage with our customers during this time? Here are a few steps we’re taking –
The store is open and customers are coming in. Our revised hours are 10-5 Monday-Friday, and 10-6 on Saturday and Sunday. Keeping a respectful and healthy distance is a norm for us anyway, but you’ll see at least 6 feet of distance between people now. Communicating with customers over the phone, via email, text message and FaceTime works! We regularly have conversations this way, and we regularly send photos or use FaceTime for remote store visits. As always, we ship with FedEx as our preferred carrier. We also offer in-store pickup and curbside delivery at no charge. Give it a try - concierge service for your pottery order! During this unexpected slow time, we’re making lemonade out of lemons. Our website has been pretty basic for a long time, so we will be dedicating ourselves to ramping it up this month. It’s time, and we’re excited. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.
And, as new way to connect with our customers, we’ll deliver your order within 20 miles of downtown Annapolis for $10.00.
So, please come on by or call the shop at 410-268-6153 (landline) or contact us via email at info@annapolispottery.com. We’ll be happy to share images or connect on FaceTime as well.
Thanks for your support over these many, many years. Please do all you can to support local small businesses in your community. We’re in this together so let’s support each other as best we can.
