by Mai-Liis Renaud

Barbara Leduc, owner of Mrs. B’s Gifts & Home Decor has come up with an interesting idea to keep her customers and staff safe during this scary time. It is called BYOB and no it doesn’t mean you can Bring Your Own Booze to Mrs. B’s. So what exactly does it mean? Well I caught up with Barb and asked her The Seeker-Style 5 questions about this event and this is what I found out.

1. What is this event and how did it come about?

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bubble) where small businesses can offer some safer and private shopping time for those who may have health issues or just a fear of visiting stores. As it gets colder outside, it can also be a way of avoiding long line ups in the cold. The idea came about because we cannot allow as many people in the store as we usually do in the last quarter of the year, it will be necessary to find a way to accommodate people as safe as possible. 

2. What is this event in support of and does it reoccur every year?

For the foreseeable future, we will be fighting this virus. Most small businesses are suffering. This model of serving customers could be used even beyond a pandemic. 

3. How does this event make this community a better place?

Keeping staff and customers safe is my number one priority. Screening will be done prior to store entry during this time. Using the BYOB we can also implement Contact Tracing which is very important at this time. It is our goal to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and remain available where possible. Make no mistake, if it is deemed that we have to close again, we will do so. I closed the store in March before the province mandated it.

4. What is unique about this event?

Shopping before or after store hours in not exactly unique, but the idea that it will be offered on a regular basis is.This concept could be used for almost any business where the customers attend in person, example: dining, salons, doctor appointments, etc.

5. How can people participate or make this event a success?

Participation is very simple, just call the store and arrangements can be made for a time that works for both parties. Perhaps suggest the idea to your favourite local business and they can set up their own BYOB too. 

What is the contact info for this event?

To book your own bubble spot call Mrs. B’s Gifts & Home Decor at 613-937-0222 and visit the store at 609 Pitt Street. Cornwall • www.mrsbsgifts.com • You can also visit the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/mrsbsgifts