OLYMPIA, Wash. — A small Olympia clothing store came up with a creative way to sell merchandise during the COVID-19 shutdown by offering virtual shopping for customers.
Hot Toddy Boutique is known for their bright colors, fun prints and unique vintage designs.
“If you want to have a crazy pair of leggings with cats and hot dogs, I have those too,” said owner Sydney Hann.
Hann’s owned the downtown Olympia shop for nearly 14 years.
The shutdown hit her small business hard. She got in all her new spring clothing then had to close.
She’s now the only one working. Her two employees are collecting unemployment and waiting for the state’s stay-at-home order to end.
“It’s been tough, it’s like when anything happens that you’re not used to, it’s just discombobulating,” said Hann.
Her doors have to be closed, so Hann came up with a different way to keep her business up and running by still letting customers shop. These days, shopping is all done online.
“It makes them feel normal, I think, to go shopping a little bit,” said Hann.
Using social media, people can check out fresh florals, sparkly sneakers and accessories. Customers send her a message, Hann helps with sizing, they pay for the piece and she’ll even deliver it for free to their front door if they live locally.
“I’m trying on things for customers, I’m sending them measurements, lots of pictures, it just, it takes a lot of doing to make that sale,” said Hann.
It’s a lot of work, but she’s blown away by the support.
“Every day I have an order. Every day I have someone I’m talking to and communicating with,” she said.
Not only is her community buying clothing, they’re purchasing gift cards and dropping off sweet treats.
“Everyone knows I love candy, so I’ve gotten a lot of candy,” said Hann.
Hann said times may be tough, but it’s the community’s love that keeps her going. In fact, the only tears she’s shed during the pandemic are tears of joy.
“When you get an outpouring of support like that, it just fills you up and it’s just indescribable,” said Hann.
Hann is offering virtual shopping on her Facebook and Instagram pages.
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