Halifax businesses adapt to the “New Normal”
Posted: July 28, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a challenging and ever-changing environment for businesses to operate within.
With everyone thinking about what the “new normal” means for businesses and our city, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce set out to learn about the ways their members (1,700 business organizations) have adapted to serve customers and clients.
To raise awareness, the Chamber created and launched a social media campaign called #HFXNewNormal. Here is a selection of stories about businesses that have pivoted, built a resilient business model, and lent a hand to their community while navigating turbulent economic times.
United Sign has an all-in-one safety package including face masks, shields, barriers and necessary signage. At the beginning of the pandemic, the business offered other businesses paper signage for free.
Smarter Spaces is creating 3D virtual tours of landmarks, cultural buildings and schools for stay-at-home Nova Scotians to shop and visit. It’s a fantastic way to encourage local residents and tourists to explore and enjoy our city and province from afar.
Office Interiors is offering free installation for six months of Microsoft Office to help those working remotely. Now, it’s offering free office assessments to properly restructure office spaces under new normal conditions and for employees’ safe return.
Nutri-Lawn has contactless-service delivery. Its technicians and service providers wear PPE and remain socially distant by working staggered shifts with each having their own personal truck equipped with disinfectants.
Compass Distillers, world-famous Gin distillers, are now making hand sanitizers in-house to help meet the increasing demand. They’re also offering signature cocktail kits and recipes online for stay-at-home customers.
Chain Yard Cidery was featured for its contactless delivery and their drivers wearing PPE and doing social-distant ID checks. The Cidery offers free delivery on purchases of $40 or more.
The Chamber is encouraging other members and small businesses who are making a difference to use the hashtag #HFXNewNormal for a chance to be profiled.
Learn More about #HFXNewNormal
To raise awareness, the Chamber has also created and launched a map with businesses that have pivoted to their #HFXNewNormal.