CHRISTINE DAVIS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CARLSBAD VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
No one doubts that the past several months have been unlike any other in recent memory. Challenging. Transformative. Unforgettable. It is in these times that we remind ourselves to focus on the silver linings and not as much on the cloudy skies. Witnessing, firsthand, the unparalleled tenacity and optimism displayed by the business owners in Carlsbad Village has made this herculean task much easier.
Restaurants have learned how to create an intimate yet socially distanced dining experience by taking their tables and chairs outside, adding decorative lighting and plants, and smiling through their masks. Eateries have also become experts at meals-to-go and contactless curbside pickup for everyone’s safety. Retail stores have become adept at providing excellent customer service despite having to communicate their passion and product knowledge from behind a mask, and without the customary hug for their longtime customers.
Businesses have learned to live with plexiglass and no-contact payment methods and have redesigned nearly everything in their establishments from the ground up. Those without e-commerce websites are now selling online, and those without a strong social media presence are now masterful at Instagram Stories and Facebook Live. And all are becoming proficient at pivoting and making changes on a moment’s notice.
Watching the small businesses in Carlsbad Village recreate themselves and adapt to these unique demands, and do so with optimism and determination, has been nothing short of awe inspiring. And seeing new businesses open their doors for the first time during this national pandemic has given a new meaning to the word courageous. All of these businesses have honed their skills, have learned new skills, and are truly stronger now than they were before.
Carlsbad Village businesses have always had a strong tie to their local customer base. Those who are dedicated to shopping small and keeping their dollars local are thankfully even more committed now. And until tourism returns to something like what it was before, it will be the locals who will singlehandedly keep our downtown on the path to recovery. On behalf of the small businesses in Carlsbad Village, we thank you for your ongoing support. We could not do this without you.