Retail shops acclimate to curbside pick-up

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (KION) Life is slowly returning to Central Coast streets, and in Carmel-by-the-Sea people are out and walking.

"We love the fact that stores are starting to do curbside service and we see people in them," said resident, Stephen McClellan.

The Ocean Avenue boutique, 'Bhody,' is doing what they can do still bring in business.

Two weeks ago, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that some businesses, including retail shops, could open for curbside pick-up.

Bhody manager, Nicholas Mangrum, said they've been open since last weekend. "This is taking window shopping to a more interactive way," said Mangrum.

Mangrum has set up a small display partially reopen under current restrictions. The idea is that people can still shop without ever walking beyond the store's entryway. "We brought all of our small items that people wouldn't have to try on. It's easy for gift items," said Mangrum.

When it comes to clothes, store owners said they are still learning how to make sales from a distance. Owner of 'The Treadmill' in Carmel said curbside has not proved effective at his store. "People want to try clothes on. They want to feel them and see how they look in them. We haven't seen any requests for clothing," said Chris Cleary.

Mangrum is staying optimistic about the opportunity to get some business, but knows he will have to keep thinking outside of the box.

"This is a learning curve. We want to see how the community reacts to it and figure out how our business can still survive," said Mangrum.