SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) — Retail stores and auto dealerships may re-open in Michigan for in-person business starting Tuesday, with strict safety protocols in place and some restrictions.
The loosened restrictions were announced last weekunder Governor Gretchen Whitmer's executive order.
“Everyone is still trying to feel out what the new normal is going to be. But, I’m confident we’re going to do a good job of opening the right way," said George Glassman, with the Glassman Automotive Group.
The modified re-open comes as a major boost to area dealerships, which were shuttered to in-person business for more than two months due to the stay-at-home order.
"We’re making sure that people are wearing masks, social distancing, disinfecting areas so that customers can feel secure and safe," Glassman told 7 Action News.
Both employees and customers will be required to wear face masks, and no more than 10 customers are allowed inside at one time.
Customers must make an appointment before showing up at a dealership or retailer.
Executive analyst with Cox Automotive Michelle Krebs said prospective car buyers should be prepared for a different kind of showroom; one that might have limited inventory.
“They may not find the vehicle they want in the exact color they want, because the factories haven’t been running. They just got started running last week," she pointed out.
She said shortages will be particularly noticeable for trucks.
Krebs noted that while showrooms are re-opening, consumers wanted online car buying options, and that's something she thinks will stick long after the pandemic.
As for Glassman, he said more than half of his staff is back on the job. He expects to bring back the rest in the next few weeks.
"Right at the moment, we’re getting a good mix of current lease customers who are coming off-lease, as well as new customers that just now have started to go out of the house since last week," he told 7 Action News.
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