Managing a Leather Goods Store During the COVID-19 Pandemic
**** This post is the same as the one posted on "note" ****
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In April 2020, the first state of emergency was declared, and the atelier shop temporarily closed.
Amidst an unprecedented situation, I somehow felt more motivated and was determined to overcome it.
I even tried to view it positively, seeing it as a good opportunity to spend more time with my wife and young daughter.
Unable to go anywhere, my daughter and I picked up pebbles and played in front of our house.
At that time, I thought it would all be over in six months.
And now it's April 2022.
Putting on a mask when going out has become as ingrained as putting on shoes.
If I accidentally forget it, I rush back to get it.
I still can't take off my mask.
What was most difficult these past two years was
not being able to say "We look forward to your visit" with conviction.
It felt strange to run a shop but find it hard to say "Welcome."
Amidst calls to refrain from non-essential outings, we had no choice but to operate.
Since that first April, general stores were not asked to restrict operations, but they were also excluded from subsidy eligibility.
In such circumstances, gratitude towards those who visited and a sense of unease were intertwined emotions.
We continued to create and sell items that were not considered essential or urgent to buy.
I kept waiting for the day when I could brightly put out the outdoor sign at opening time.
Around late January of this year, the sixth wave began.
Around that time, a loyal customer, who works in the food and beverage industry, visited us after a long time.
When I said, "Infections are increasing again, aren't they?"
She replied with resolute words, "I'm doing this as if it's the last time."
Has the sixth wave subsided now? Or are we already in the seventh wave?
Honestly, at this point, operating with COVID-19 feels like the new normal.
I certainly thought that after two years, COVID-19 would have subsided.
I had planned to record the events of the pandemic after it ended, but at this rate, my memories might fade before it's over.
So, I'm writing this down now, two years later, as an interim record.