Well, here we go.
The California governor has issued a statewide stay at home order, with only essential services to remain open, like grocery stores, gas stations, law enforcement, that sort of thing.
As much as I’d like to think my shop is an essential service, that means I’m gonna have to shut down as well.
Now it’s my understanding I can still work in the shop, just not have it open to the public, and thus I’ll be able to receive shipments, mail orders out, etc. I have some funding options and emergency grants I can pursue, and I’ll have to call Diamond tomorrow and see what I can do about managing my invoices there on my assumed reduced income.
Of course, Wednesday and Thursday were very good days of business at the store, but even as good as it was, that’s not going to pay for my incoming inventory without financial assistance. Hopefully some of the options I’ll be exploring will provide it.
Anyway, I’ll try to keep folks updated here, and naturally on all my store’s various online venues, as to what’s going on. If you are a regular customer of mine, feel free to call or email me…the plan is to be at the store my regular work hours, more or less, so I’ll do my best to work with you during these troubled times.
Good luck to everyone out there, and absolutely feel free to contact me. Thanks for reading, pals.
Mike: I feel for you. I work in the public sector, so our woes are about how to continue to provide services in this context – our financial worries are for the next budget cycle, not right now. I can’t imagine what it must be like in the private sector to comply with necessary public health measures in a system that has almost no safety nets. I wish you the best, and you’ll be hearing from me about an order.
My local store is offering mail order with PayPal invoices. Maybe you could send out an e-mail to your box customers offering that?
Good luck, Mike. Stay safe.
Best of luck to you, Mike (all things considered). Your service to this hobby, industry, and culture are much appreciated, and we all need you to get through this.
I’m pulling for you, Mike!
i feel for you mike for this thing is turning the world into a bad nightmare for every one hang in there i am rooting for you
Good luck, Mike. I can’t even imagine how scary it must be for small business owners at the moment. I’m still happily a mail-order customer since you’re still shipping comics.
Would love to support your shop during the shut-down but I’m not local. What’s the best way to know what you have in stock?
Good luck and stay safe, Mike!
— MrJM
Hooper – alas, I don’t really have an online listing of stock. I do have an eBay store with a bunch of stuff, and you can always just send me a list. If it’s not immediately available, I’ll order it for you (if it’s in print, natch)!