Business

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) TuiPhotoengineer / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Small Businesses Remain Resilient Amid Pandemic

(Statepoint)

Amid the historic coronavirus pandemic, businesses are adapting by making major changes to their operations, including increased use of technology, according to the latest PNC semi-annual survey of small and mid-size business owners and executives, which concluded Sept. 8.

Eight in 10 business owners reported that they have made adaptations in response to COVID-19, including safety changes in the form of new procedures or physical modifications, while others have adopted work-fromhome policies.

“Business owners have learned that the previous status quo won’t work now. The majority of businesses have reconfigured their operations and for many, these changes will be permanent,” says PNC chief economist, Gus Faucher. “Their confi dence may be shaken, but we know through the history of this survey that business owners are resilient and they know how to adapt to change.”

According to the survey, half of businesses report increased use of technology since the outbreak began. Nearly three in 10 have added or increased the use of electronic or touchless payment systems, electronic/website-enabled sales or electronic banking/cash flow management services and 19 percent increased use of fraud/identity protection tools.

The pandemic has also forced many businesses to shake up their product lineups to better align with consumers’ new habits. A third of business owners report making changes either to the way they sell or deliver their products and services or to the types of products and services they offer.

Despite these positive signs of transformation and resilience, the drop in business activity over recent months forced many to take drastic measures through workforce reductions; nearly four in 10 businesses have cut workers since the start of the pandemic, although for 87 percent of those, the decrease is considered temporary or a furlough. In fact, 58 percent of the businesses who had temporary layoffs or furloughs have already begun rehiring.

Faucher said that while the worst may be over and economic activity is on the rebound, the “new normal” doesn’t mean a return to robust job and business growth that existed early in 2020.

New York

PAID FOR BY AARP

Your Vote. Your Voice. Our Fight.

As our nation battles a pandemic and economic downturn, the health and financial security of voters over 50 are on the line. That’s why AARP New York is fighting for your voice to be heard. AARP New York wants to make sure that you know all of your voting options and that all Americans—from working parents to family caregivers to seniors in nursing homes—can vote safely whether they choose to vote from home or in-person. For more information on how you can vote safely and make your voice heard, visit aarp.org/NYvotes

facebook.com/aarpNY | @AARPNY | aarp.org/NY

BUSINESS Gemini II Reimagining Business During COVID-19 Pandemic

Helen Pearsall-Barksdale and Alice McNeil owners of Gemini II Specialty Boutique, having been providing women in Harlem with specialized bras, under garments and apparel for 31 years. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic they have had to reimagine their business model. They officially closed their last brick and mortar location and are now hosting private sales events and working on their online presence.

This past weekend the Harlem Business Alliance hosted a “going out of business” sales event for them to get rid of some of their inventory. The Harlem Business Alliance offers the “Creative Workspace” where business owners can rent desk space by the day or by the month. Regina Smith, President of the Harlem Business Alliance said, “The Harlem (l-r) Alice McNeil, Lil Nickelson, Helen Pearsall-Barksdae

Business Alliance has advocated for affordable commercial space as well as commercial condos for Harlem’s Blackowned businesses. As long as there is no political support or accountability for policies which support Black business creation, sustainability, and expansion, we will continue to lose the few remaining businesses like Gemini Boutique to rising rents, inequitable access to procurement opportunities and capital, and the Coronavirus pandemic.”

One customer who attended the event this past Saturday, Lil Nickelson said, I depend on Gemini II to get my properly fitted bras.”

Gemini II opened its first location 31 years ago at 252 West 125th Street across from the Apollo theater. After 3

Photos by: Seitu Oronde

WYNN Optics

“We are offering a wonderful experience and an opportunity to become family ”

$45 Children Eye Exam

$150 Children Glasses (2 pairs of polycarbonate lenses)

$109 Packages (includes exam, frames and lenses)

$199 Frames, exam and crizal (antiglare lenses)

$125 Contact lenses fitting

w/ trial pair

Wynn Optics 167 Lenox Avenue @ 118th Street | 212-222-6100 Most Insurance, Unions, Medicaid and Medicare Plans Accepted

years they moved to 353 125th Street@ St. Nicholas a couple of doors down from the post office. They were at that location for 17 years but were forced off of 125th Street due to rising rents. They then moved to St. Nicholas and 128th Street, with the aid of a grant from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone designed to help small business who were forced off of 125th Street but willing to relocate in Harlem. They stayed at that location for 10 years. High rents again forced them to move and they moved into the Artisian Market along with about 11 other business owners. COVID 19 shut down the Artisian Market as well as other businesses in March. Gemini II decided not to continue operating out of the market. Helen and Alice obeyed the quarantine for 6 months. Last month, they began contacting their customers to let them know they will continue to find a way to service them. Gemini’s customers tend to be women who find it difficult to find the right bra and under garments because of their size and body types. This is what they specialize in and these are the women who tend to be their customers. Helen said, “We plan to continue to have a couple of pop up events to sell our current inventory and we are working on our online presence so we hope our customers will continue to reach out to us because we will find ways to continue to service them.”

Watch for the announcement of another pop up event for Gemini II and their online presence. In the meantime you can reach them at 212-8667980.