Health

Retailers await Baker’s decision about when to reopen businesses for in-store shopping

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker’s decision about when Phase 2 can begin will be announced on Saturday around noon.

Retailers are anxiously awaiting whether they will be able to open their businesses for in-store shopping.

Betsy Jenney has been operating her Newbury Street store, Betsey Jenney, for decades.

Jenney says it’s challenging to reopen when practically the entire street is boarded up because of the looting and riots that happened on Sunday night.

Retailers Association Of Massachusetts President Jon Hurst has been voicing owners’ frustrations.

“They run on tight margins and they have a lot of competition so it’s very important the consumer reminds themselves they represent 70% of the economy,” Hurst said.

Stores will begin with 40% occupancy and customers cannot try anything on.

“It’s going to be a different experience, particularly for a type of store where there has been a lot of close customer interaction,” Hurst said.

We asked the governor if the large protests are becoming a factor in the Phase 2 decision.

Gov. Baker told us the protests, for the most part, have “been outdoors which has been good and people, for the most part, have been moving, which is also good but we really won’t know the impact of those for at least the next couple of weeks.”

Jenney said she just wants to open her doors.

"We’re spotless, we’re clean, we’re ready to go,” she said.

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