As Wichita reopens, local shops throughout the city are carefully opening their doors back up to shoppers. Health and safety remain top-of-mind with these businesses as they follow state and local guidelines. Many employees are wearing masks and gloves, sanitizing merchandise and other frequently touched surfaces between customers and minimizing the number of customers at a time.

Here’s a look at a few shops who are open and information on what they are doing to keep shoppers safe:

• Bungalow 26’s staff is wearing masks and would appreciate if customers do the same. They are limiting the number of customers in the store to a maximum of ten people, as well as maintaining a six-foot distance. Their employees will be taking extra care to wash their hands and will continuously sanitize surfaces in the store.

• At Board and Brush, patrons can once again create inside the studio. They have enhanced safety protocols in order to offer private parties and workshops, which are limited to 10 people to allow for social distancing. 

• Bohemia Healing Spa understands social distancing isn't possible for their services, but are ready to begin the reopening process to serve the community. They're planning on a limited opening on May 18 by appointment only, and opening to the public on June 1 with measures and procedures in place for the safety of their team and customers.

• Cocoa Dolce (Old Town, East & West) has removed some seating to practice social distancing and increased cleaning and sanitizing efforts. Their staff is wearing masks and their menus are viewable on monitors within their stores. Carry-out and to-go orders are still available and are even more convenient on their recently-launched mobile app. 

• Generations Antiques & Artisans has safely reopened and is adhering to social distancing throughout the shop. Their staff is wearing masks and various vendors are selling masks.

• Wichita’s Old Town Farmer’s Market is taking place and starts at 8 a.m. in Old Town. The market features wider spaces between vendors and sanitizing stations throughout. 

• All Paramount Antique Mall locations have made adjustments within the stores in accordance with recommendations from the state and the CDC. Their registers are set up with a clear plastic barrier between the customer and cashier and their staff has been provided masks. They also have signs throughout the store and have clearly marked 6-foot measurements for waiting in line at checkout. Sanitation stations are located near the front doors and staff will be cleaning and sanitizing in accordance of the CDC, specifically for shopping carts, shopping baskets, hand carts, counters, payment processors, door handles and bathrooms.

• The Spice Merchant is open Mon-Sat while limiting the number of customers in the store to 25 (no kids under 12). They're having all staff wear masks and are asking all customers to wear one as well.

• The Workroom is open to limited traffic on Saturdays. Their staff will be wearing and requiring masks of all customers. Practicing social distancing and sanitary protocols will be prioritized and only 15 customers allowed in at a time.

• Towne East Square has completed testing confirming the air quality in their center is superior to the air outside and has implemented the following measures to protect shoppers, retailers and employees:

  • Employees with a fever or cold and flu-like symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose or body aches are required to stay home. Masks and daily temperature testing are required for employees.

  • Masks, sanitizing wipes, and temperature testing are available for shoppers at the Mall Office.

  • Regular disinfecting of the common areas, particularly busy locations such as restrooms, seating, dining and play areas. Sanitizer stations are available in common areas.

  • Encouragement of social distancing practices, including the use of distancing markers and extra space between seating. Signage reminding shoppers and employees of safety precautions recommended by the CDC is posted throughout and they have advised all retailers to follow the guidelines in their stores.

• Towne West Square is following similar protocols to Towne East Square and is closing on Sundays for enhanced sanitizing, cleaning and disinfecting. Entrance/exits to the property will be designated and/or restricted. Shoppers are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing

• Uniquities Home is open by appointment only. Staff members are wearing masks, offering hand sanitizer at the door and sanitizing the store after each appointment.

Other local shops now open with increased safety protocols include Hatman Jack’s, Hundred Acre Floral, Infinity Art Glass, Jenny Dawn Cellars, Karg Art Glass, Kernel’s Popcorn Express, Nifty Nut House, Red Wing Shoe Store, The Golf Warehouse, The Health Connection, Twister City Harley-Davidson and Urban Interiors. In addition to the malls, a variety of shops in shopping centers like Bradley Fair, New Market Square, Revolutsia and Union Station have also opened recently. Since hours and procedures can change as we work through the reopening phases, we encourage you to check individual store websites and social media channels for the latest details.

While some shops have opened, many are open for curbside pickup and online orders at this time. Paint the Towne is offering curbside pickup of take-home kits. Zeep, a local shop specializing in handcrafted bath and body care, home fragrance and other unique items, provides regular updates on their social media channels and is taking online orders. Kendra Scott is open for curbside service 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon-Sat, and noon-6 p.m. on Sundays. US Logo, Inc. is able to take payments by phone and place orders between the two sets of front doors for customers to pick up themselves.

Another way Wichitans are staying safe is by wearing masks. Several local shops like The Health Connection, The Workroom, Generations Antiques & Artisans, and Wicked Stitch are selling them, and a variety of online shops (like Sean Christopher Ward, Bella Bonita Designs and MASKC19) are also offering masks, many of which are handmade by locals.

If you are planning to explore Wichita, we encourage following safety protocol for our state and county.