In Virden, customers can get essential items in town without a line-up or too much inconvenience, unlike stores in larger centres. Phone-in orders and delivery is available in most cases and some businesses are being creative, offering great deals as well.
Several stores that Virden and shoppers from farther afield loved to patronize have had to close temporarily. Clothiers are closed but where there’s a will, there’s a way, and Clayton Murray has found a safe way to reach out to his Shoe Store customers through phone orders and the internet.
Mainline Motors offers deals for essential service workers.
Virden’s co-op grocery store has a sign on the door limiting one customer per household to enter and throughout the store signs are posted limiting purchases on certain items. Toilet paper still seems to be in high demand.
The Dollar Store on King St. has had a run on crafting supplies. Stationary and school supplies make this store an essential.
Plumbing and electrical businesses continue their services.
Faye Horn at the Flower Attic is still serving her customers, supplying flower arrangements. She, like many businesses such as restaurants, offers free delivery.
Home Hardware is open Monday to Friday only. Along with hand sanitizer available, a pattern on the floor guides the flow of traffic to keep everyone distancing.
Kullberg’s manager Phil Brooking advises that appliances are a necessity and his store is open.
Online shopping is strained these days. The wait for products from Amazon has gone from days to weeks, and Amazon and Wayfair don’t pay local school taxes, town taxes or contribute to community projects. If shoppers can find a way to continue to buy locally, they are doing themselves and their families a favour.
