An illness that appears to have originated at a seafood market in Wuhan, China, is putting a financial strain on businesses on the other side of the world.
The closure of schools and municipal offices and the Massachusetts governor’s order to limit social gatherings have small shops feeling the pinch as much of the planet grapples with how to limit the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
Kara Williams, whose husband, Edward, owns Swift Cleaners at 14 Main St. in Greenfield, said limitations on business conducted at banks and the Franklin County Justice Center means fewer people need their fine suits dry cleaned and pressed. But the more massive blow comes from Deerfield Academy’s decision to extend its spring vacation to March 29. Online classes will be offered from March 30 to April 12, as students are not allowed back on campus once vacation concludes.
Williams explained more than 100 of the prestigious institution’s students are signed up for pay-as-you-go dry cleaning at Swift Cleaners. She said this could result in a $30,000 hit in business, with that number growing by $16,000 to $18,000 if the academy does not hold its summer programming.
“I’m losing all that money,” Williams said. “We’re just as screwed as the next person.”
All Deerfield Academy on-campus events until April 15 have been canceled, as is Spring Family Weekend, which was planed for April 17 and 18.
Another blow to Swift Cleaners could come if students choose not to store clothing there for the summer. Still, Williams said the business will remain open for the time being.
“We are at the moment,” she said. “I don’t know what the future holds.”
Ted Kajdan, who 25 years ago started Cherry Rum Automotive at 451 Bernardston Road in Greenfield, said he has seen an undeniable decline in business since the middle of last week.
“Right across the board, traffic is down,” he said.
Kajdan said customers can call to make an appointment, though some have still walked in. In an attempt to minimize direct contact, he welcomes people to leave their keys in the after-hours dropbox when they leave their vehicle and to pay by debit or credit card over the phone when the work is completed. Keys can be left in a vehicle if a customer prefers.
“Most people right now don’t want any direct contact, and that’s fine,” Kajdan said. “We can make that work.”
He said it is too early to tell if this public health scare will have lingering effects on his business.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty, and I think that’s what people are most worried about,” he said.
However, Gerry Kenney, owner of Kenney Auto Repair Service at 427 Davis St. in Greenfield, said the crisis hasn’t seemed to slow down business for him. He figures some people who cannot work now have the time to bring in their vehicles.
“I hope it doesn’t get bad for us because if it does, I can’t do this stuff from home,” he said.
Paul Anderson, who owns Trailhead Outfitters and General Store at 1 South Main St. in Orange, said business has not been negatively affected by the public health crisis. In fact, Saturday was very busy because it was a sunny day, and he recently sold 7 pounds of coffee. He chalks this up to people thinking they may have to hunker down for a while.
Business has been equally as good at Corner Cafe, the little eatery in the back of Trailhead’s floorspace. Owner Terry Bouchard, who took over ownership of the cafe on July 1, 2019, said there has been no decline in business.
“The town’s been very supportive,” she said.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.