The past year has been a whirlwind, to say the least. Just 12 months ago, the world was facing the realities of the pandemic for the first time. Shortly after, business closures were initiated and brands looked inward to analyze safety protocol and operations to best serve guests. Along the ride, states, counties, and cities, varied in protocol to best protect the population and businesses remained nimble to adjust accordingly. Overall, running a business in the past year has been no easy feat.
Now, as vaccines are distributed, we joyously get to confront reopenings across the country. With that news comes the all familiar safety protocol adjustments that may vary at multiple levels depending on where a business is located. Therefore, brands need to keep a close eye on the market, communicate clearly with customers, and keep a positive attitude because, it seems all great things are to come. This time around, business leaders and companies as a whole even feel more prepared after receiving a crash course in adaptations just last year. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for.
At Fish, we’ve watched and worked closely with our partners throughout the journey of closures, reopenings, closures again, and, now, the real reopening. UFC GYM for instance has eagerly welcomed reopenings of fitness facilities at limited capacity across its home state of California and is ramping up efforts to make the transition as seamless as possible for members. First and foremost, continuing safety protocol and enhanced sanitation procedures (i.e. checking guest temperatures, socially distancing equipment, limiting class capacity). Other brands, like Best Western, are expecting travel to pick-up as early as June mirroring the roll out of vaccines (more found here).
A few things to keep in mind as we approach our new, new normal:
- Cleanliness is key
- Over communicate with your guests
- Reflect updates on your website and social channels
- Maintain a hybridized approach (mobile/online services)
