Lee Valley reducing hours, closing "browsing"

[Aaron Rosenthal]

Got the email blast today; the stores are reducing hours, doing express pick-up hand off in the parking lot, and open for customer service only after stringent cleaning procedures.
Even with free shipping from the warehouse, I will still miss going into the store.
BUT ......
I know all the front line people by first name; we talk about their families, and mine; they've been generous and helpful for many years.
If this is what it takes to keep them safe, I can adjust.
Rob, while the store is empty, why not give Dawn the budget to redo the flooring.

[Rob Lee]

Got the email blast today; the stores are reducing hours, doing express pick-up hand off in the parking lot, and open for customer service only after stringent cleaning procedures.
Even with free shipping from the warehouse, I will still miss going into the store.
BUT ......
I know all the front line people by first name; we talk about their families, and mine; they've been generous and helpful for many years.
If this is what it takes to keep them safe, I can adjust.
Rob, while the store is empty, why not give Dawn the budget to redo the flooring.

Hi Aaron -

Thanks for your understanding. Managing the past two weeks has been one tough call after another. First focus has always been the health and safety of staff, and customers. Now - we focus on the health of the business too.

As I said to our COO - it's a zombie apocalypse, without the zombies.....

The pandemic is going to hit a lot of retail businesses hard. Expect massive changes to the retail landscape as we come out of this. Retail has been under growing stress for a few years now, and this will push many over the edge.

So - we'll make a note of the carpets ... but hold off on the replacement just yet......

Cheers -

Rob

[Andrew Pitonyak]

What, you live near a store so you can visit? That would be fun to do, but I am sure my pocket book would complain afterwards! It is one of the reasons that I go to the local woodworking show, because they are there. Of course, they area also usually packed at the show so patience is key here.

[Frank Pratt]

My MO when shopping Lee Valley is to go online & put what I want in the cart. Then at the store, I print off the order & take it to the counter. Quick & easy. The new system won't be that much of a change for me. I do have a couple of returns though & I'll have to find out how that will be handled.