GABY KREVAT — Over the course of the last few weeks, business and foot traffic through downtown Bozeman has evolved due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Hardware and supply stores are considered essential according to the Governor’s directive, and there’s high demand for some specific products.
“Cleaning, obviously, deep cleaning with what we can provide for them,” said Rose Hoff, an employee at Ace Hardware in downtown Bozeman.
Last month MTN News visited Ace to see if they had any N-95 masks, but those are still back-ordered.
“We are definitely out of masks. We are trying our best to get those in,” said Hoff.
And some not-so-typical products are also flying off the shelves.
“A lot of paint for sure. A lot of customers are coming in. A lot of paint projects. Maybe they’re just trying to get out of the house a little bit and get themselves busy so they’re not going stir crazy at home.”
Restaurants can stay open for take-out and delivery, but many shops like Altitude Art Gallery have been forced to adjust.
Amy Kirkland is the owner of the gallery and says she worries about some fragile downtown businesses.
While the gallery doors are closed, it’s still open online.
In the meantime, essential businesses like Ace say they’re doing their best to keep people safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re cleaning every half hour as much as possible. Doing our best to make the customer feel comfortable when they come,” said Hoff.