Over the coming weeks, the economic landscape is expected to go through a deliberate transition from nearly nationwide shelter-in-place orders to a gradual easing of social distancing norms.
The decision is being made by leaders at the state level to gradually allow businesses to open their doors to customers after several weeks of being closed to the public.
Given the near-daily changes occurring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working diligently to make sure Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisees across the system are in the strongest position possible to reopen their salons in a way that ensures the safety of their customers and staff.
What Are We Doing Now?
We’re having daily verbal conversations and frequent video conference meetings with Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisees. This communication has multiple functions:
- We want every member of our franchise family to recognize how they’re never alone and we’re all working together for the common purpose of helping them succeed as business owners
- We’re working hard to help them plan for when their businesses reopen, including making operational improvements that will add new levels of sanitation and safety
Coming out of these conversations, we have put together a list of reopening recommendations that franchisees can use to address the potential concerns of consumers who are cautious about resuming their normal, pre-COVID-19, day-to-day activities.
How Are We Adapting to a Post-Quarantine Economy?
We all recognize that life won’t be exactly as it was before the Coronavirus hit the U.S. It will take time for many consumers to regain their full confidence, but there are several ways we can facilitate a more rapid resurgence – namely, ensuring a safe and secure salon environment that exceeds our previously established high standards.
With respect to the reopening list we have compiled for franchise owners, there will guidance and updates to operational standards. Here are a few examples:
- Staff will be required to use personal protective equipment, including masks and other gear
- As much as feasibly possible during visits to the salon, staff will maintain social distancing standards of six feet
- At some salons, the hair-washing stations will be transitioned into a hand-washing station to allow customers to prevent the hand-to-hand spread of any diseases
- Owners will limit the number of customers in each salon by allowing an individual parent or guardian to accompany their child in salons at one time
- Currently, some of our salons accept walk-ins only, but given the need to limit the number of people in the salon at one time, owners may consider accepting appointments through our website, through their social media accounts, or by calling ahead
- Salons will operate at reduced hours during the early stages of reopening
- Salons may also operate at extended hours during this time
- To maintain sanitation, we’ll no longer allow children to choose a treat from our treasure chests. Instead, we will provide a toy and a lollipop for each child after their haircut
- There will be a stringent toy washing policy between every haircut
- Some owners will likely be splitting their staff into two different teams – so they’ll be able to track and isolate any COVID-19 infections among staff and prevent the spread
To make sure each of these protocols is put into practice at all salons, there will be system-wide employee training.
Meanwhile, each salon owner will be following state and local regulations, but with the right preparation, we give every Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisee a consistent set of guidelines and best practices that will make our salons as safe as possible regardless of when local economies open.
With Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, and other states planning to stagger the reopening of the economies in the coming weeks, we’re getting ready for a certain number of Pigtails & Crewcuts salons to have soft openings.
The decision to reopen is up to the discretion of each franchisee, and we’ll support each owner in any way possible as they go through the process.
Thank you for your patience and concern for the safety of everyone. We can’t wait to see your family!
