Should tack shops be practicing social distancing where possible, wearing masks if not possible, having hand sanitizer available at the door, and limiting cashier to customer contact…or should we pretend the virus does not exist in the horse world?? I ask because I visited my area’s tack shop and nothing was different. I wore a mask and so did most of the customers. The store stafff… nothing indicated they were aware we are in a pandemic. Thoughts?
Well… if what the local tack shop is doing bothers you in terms of not having employees wear masks, I’d embrace the wonderful world of internet options. There are great ones for sure! Or maybe explore different local tack shops that you feel more comfortable supporting.
My answer though pre-supposed that your state doesn’t have a mandate to wear masks in public. Some do, some don’t. My state only has a recommendation right now, but not a mandate. If your state has a mandate, but the employees weren’t wearing masks, maybe reach out to the manager and owner and ask them why the staff isn’t following the mandate? It seems like having a conversation about your concerns is a reasonable first step.
3 Likes
I suggest that you raise your concern on the management. It is still not safe to assume that COVID doesn’t exist in the horse world. The fact that there’s still no approved vaccine for this virus should make us more careful and practice social distancing.
4 Likes
My local tack store is doing a great job. They are offering things like curbside pick up, online orders, or if you want to come in - they offer shopping by appointment and require masks/gloves for all customers.
6 Likes
I would expect hand sanitizer and physical distancing at the very least. My Greenhawk is only doing curbside pick up at the moment but I have been enjoying online shopping as the shipping is free (over $50). It’s too easy!! Even our outdoor garden centres at the grocery store are allowing only a certain number in at once. So if they can do it a tack store sure can! I would have no hesitation in asking management what their COVID protocols are.
3 Likes
My local Dover (Plaistow NH) requires masks and shopping appointments. Also does curbside pickup. I made an appointment and having the place to myself for a half-hour was pretty awesome!
What’s reasonable really depends where you are, though. Areas with little travel and no community transmission are one thing, dense cities are another. Though I’m surprised at anyplace that’s not making everyone mask up right now in enclosed spaces; my understanding is that that’s by far the most effective thing we could be doing.
4 Likes
Please keep the responses coming. I really believe we all have a part in this.
1 Like
It’s probably only realistic to expect them to follow your local requirements. My state requires limiting retail spaces 50% capacity and wearing masks for everyone in the counties that are open and from what I’ve seen on FB (have no plans to go in person at the moment, if I do I will do curbside pickup) local tack stores-- all stores, really–are complying. You have the option not to support these types if businesses that don’t make you feel safe-- no one HAS to go to the tack store. But as a small business that is likely struggling they may hopefully be more receptive to requests/ suggestions.
3 Likes
I would say it’s a good idea to let them know that their lack of precautions will prevent you from doing business there. Give them a chance to fix it before you go elsewhere. If they elect to ignore the situation, it’s their loss.
9 Likes
Ugh I meant to post about this myself because it’s been driving me crazy so thank you for beating me to it.
If I go into a coffee shop, all the employees have masks on and there’s a sign on the door requiring all customers to wear masks as well. Same thing in grocery stores, boutique shops, pet stores, and everything else. My county has a mandatory mask order too so it shouldn’t even be up to businesses.
But for some reason it’s like all the horse people businesses are in their own little world and the rules don’t apply to them. With both local tack shops that I frequent NONE of the employees were wearing masks and the same thing with my local feed store. I wear a mask to be respectful to others. It’s annoying and it’s making my face breakout but I do it to do my part protecting my community. Also there’s experts who have studied this disease and know more about it than me so I’m going to go with what they recommend.
Ugh I can’t afford to just boycott my feed store but as far as the tack shops, I’m done. I left a 1 star review on yelp and explained that I’m not going to value a business that doesn’t value me. I was all for supporting the small businesses because it is obviously a hard time for them but not anymore. I’ll buy my stuff online.
9 Likes
My local indie tack shop is doing a really nice job of implementing social distancing measures and other health precautions. Masks must be worn, hand sanitizer is available for use. They’ve really expanded their online ordering options - I was able to order and pay for everything I needed through their website. They offer shipping services or scheduled pickup times to reduce capacity. I walked into the shop, my order was in a paper bag ready to go. I picked it up off the counter, checked that everything was there, and left. Quick, easy, minimal contact.
4 Likes
Our local animal pharmacy/vet supply store had no masks,no social distancing, nothing. I was disappointed.
But a nearby tack store required masks, only allowed a few customers at a time and had hand sanitizer available.
”‹
4 Likes
I think many businesses will be trying to figure out what their new normal looks like for a while, especially the small independent businesses. As they work it out, it can’t hurt to let them know which approach appeals to their customers.
2 Likes
It’s just disappointing because, where I live in Colorado at least it seems that mostly the big stores like murdochs or tractor supply company, are the ones actually complying with mask laws. But the small business like the privately owned feed stores and tack shops seem to think the pandemic doesn’t apply to them.
And I sympathize with them to an extent because it seems a good portion of people sadly seem to think mask wearing is a political statement so by requiring masks you’re going to piss off those morons. But at the same time I think it says a lot if you’re going to just disregard the local laws completely just to appease the morons. But then again maybe some of these business owners are part of the moron crowd.
5 Likes
Our local tack shop is closed for in-store shopping, but is doing curb-side pickup and delivery to barns (with masks on). They are also selling really nice masks.
4 Likes
Sadly, it is not an independent tack shop which is why I used the words “area tack shops.” And yes, I have asked head office why there are no COVID19 practices in place. It is N.C. which is not mandating masks BUT all the stores I have been to, employees wear them and encourage them.
3 Likes
Our local tack shop is limiting the number of customers in the store at a time (2 max). If you are doing more than just picking up an order you are asked to wear a mask. They are asking you as much as possible to order ahead of time and accepting orders via phone/email/facebook. They are even offering 10% discounts for any order placed ahead of time.
1 Like
Our local tack shop just re-opened to shoppers, it is very clean, they limit shoppers in the store at any time and they offer hand sanitizer at the door but masks are not required. Masks are not mandated in my area and in my opinion, think that the cloth masks actually promote touching of the face when donning/removing of the mask and adjusting to make it comfortable. If the 6-foot rule is being enforced and followed, masks shouldn’t have to be worn. I of course, would not object to anyone choosing to wear them, just my personal opinion.
2 Likes
And what is your background in studying infectious respiratory diseases? You didn’t say. But clearly you must know a lot of your opinion trumps the experts so I for one am curious!
5 Likes
I didn’t think you needed to be an infectious respiratory specialist to understand that masks are uncomfortable and people who are not used to wearing them are prone to touching them, but I appreciate your opinion!
4 Likes
