COMMACK, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A Long Island boutique owner has found a unique way to keep her business afloat during the pandemic.
Tandy Jeckel, owner of Tandy Wear in Commack, says she was disheartened when her shop was forced to close amid New York’s PAUSE order, which shut all non-essential businesses.
“I'm taking my walk, I'm like, ‘What the heck? I don’t think we're gonna be opening up so quick.’ And I'm feeling just really down about how am I going to keep my business going and my customers happy,” she tells WCBS 880’ Sophia Hall.
Then she had the idea of designer masks for men, women and children.
She says here business has been thriving selling reusable masks and offering curbside pickup.
“The response was unbelievable, they were so happy. We were doing something besides the paper masks,” she said. “It was fashion, it was something that they needed. They felt good about themselves.”
She says she tries to “keep the designs fresh” so that people can have an assortment of masks.
Jeckle notes that while people were reluctant to wear masks at first, it’s become mandatory in so many places and people want to be creative with their gear.
“It’s becoming like they’re fun,” she said.
But, she notes the most important thing her masks offer is security.
“They feel safe,” Jeckle said. “It’s very important to feel safe.”