Brainsport is preparing to cautiously open its doors to the public next week if phase two of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan rolls out May 19 as planned.
Phase two of the provincial government plan allows retail spaces to reopen as of May 19 as long as they follow strict protocols, including keeping two meters of space between people and minimizing people touching merchandise.
“It’s not business as usual and it’s not going to be business as usual anytime soon,” Brainsport owner Brian Michasiw says. “We’re going to do our best to accommodate people, but it’s not going to be perfect.”
Here’s what you need to know about the store’s re-opening:
- The store’s plan to re-open is contingent on phase two of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan going ahead. If the plan is delayed, the store will not open Tuesday.
Brainsport will be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the first two hours reserved for people making appointments for shoe fittings. The store will be closed on Sunday and Monday. - People wishing to try on shoes can contact the store by email at brainsport@brainsport.ca or phone at 306-244-0955 to schedule an appointment. Shoe fitting appointments will be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. Four shoe fitting areas have been mapped out in the store and the areas will be cleaned after each appointment. Shoes that are not purchased will be wiped down.
- The number of people allowed into the store will be limited and the areas where people can walk will be restricted. A staff member will stand at the front entrance of the store and may ask people to line up in the lobby or outside if the store has reached capacity. People entering the store should speak with staff members about what they want and staff will then bring them an assortment of options so customers are not walking through the store touching everything.
- Staff are developing a shoe-fitting barrier that customers with mobility issues can put their feet through so staff can safely assist them.
- Masks will be available for staff and customers.
- Staff will thoroughly clean the store before and after it opens.
- Brainsport will continue to operate its e-commerce site as well as curb-side pickup and delivery within Saskatoon city limits
I feel like what we’re doing is the best way to serve our customers, to support our staff and to keep our store open,” Michasiw says.
