An economic initiative is helping businesses rebound during the pandemic. In April, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and Lafayette Consolidated Government enacted a “safe shop” policy. Having this stamp of approval is helping businesses in the parish.
"Business has been increasing since we got the stamp of approval."
The pandemic hasn't slowed down business at Guidry's Hardware. General manager Peppy Glaze says now that customers see they're complying with safe shop guidelines, it's helping them stay on top.
"We're one of the only hardware stores remaining in the area, in Lafayette and the surrounding areas, going up against the big boxes that we have here in Lafayette. We're very profitable," said Glaze.
"It makes the going public very very comfortable," said Lafayette Economic Development Authority president Gregg Gothreaux.
Gothreaux says the safe shop initiative is to help businesses and consumers feel safe. The process to apply is simple.
"All they have to do is call 311 and press 2. Talk to a LEDA representative and LEDA will enroll them in the program and they'll get them a sticker. They can come by and get a sticker, masks for all their employees, etc.," said Gothreaux.
Gothreaux wants consumers to pay attention if a business doesn't have the sticker on their window.
"We want people to look for that and ask if they're a safe shop business," said Gothreaux.
Find more information on the policy here.
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