BEAUMONT, Texas — Howell Furniture in Beaumont, like so many other businesses, closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks to Gov. Abbott's executive order and some clarification from county and city officials, they're back open and ready to serve customers.
Owner Shawn Hanley says curbside pickup for furniture isn't the easiest thing to do.
"Here let me hand you your sofa," Hanley said. "That's not a real easy thing to do. We're flying by the seat of our pants trying to figure out new ways to do business and keep everybody safe."
It's the new normal for people all over the world. Even though the furniture store got the green light to open, she says they still have to be cautious.
"Obviously this is something that none of us have ever experienced before so it's really hard to navigate through. I feel like the biggest burden for us as owners is we have over 100 families to support and just making sure we make the right decisions for those people is the hardest thing for us," Hanley said.
Gov. Abbott said on Friday that if stores can provide a 'Retail-to-Go' strategy, they can reopen. This allows for curbside pickup or delivery.
Howell Furniture was recently deemed essential, meaning customers can go into the store. Hanley says they'll continue to enforce needed guidelines.
"We are adhering to the 6 foot rule and one person per household rule which makes it hard for people shopping for furniture but we just want to make sure that our customers as well as employees feel safe," Hanley said.
She says they're even taken it a step further and only offer appointments between the hours of 10 and 12.
"So if someone doesn't feel comfortable with other people in the store they can call and make an appointment and be the only person in the store at that time."
Hanley says that most people buying furniture are still rebuilding from Harvey and Imelda.
Gov. Abbott is set to announce more plans to reopen on April 27.