Show Us Your Shop: Blessings at Baptist Hospital By Debbie Eisele

Owner shares how they are coping with COVID-19

With so many retailers facing similar challenges right now, we encourage you to Show Us Your Shop so we may share your story and help other independent retailers.

Blessings at Baptist Hospital is a nonprofit hospital gift shop with a mission to meet the needs of its customers and to raise funds for both the patients and community. Located in Beaumont, Texas, this shop has been committed to its mission for 40 years. Today, COVID-19 has changed retail settings dramatically, especially for this store, which is based in a hospital. Vicki Holcombe from Blessings at Baptist Hospital shared how the shop has adjusted its services to continue to serve the needs of the patients and community.

How have you transitioned your selling strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Although we have had to reduce our operating hours we are still selling to our primary customers, our employees. They can call in or FaceTime and we will virtually shop for them.

What special services, such as curbside pickup or delivery, have you implemented?

We deliver within the hospital to departments and can set up curbside pickup since hospital visitors are very limited. We’ve ramped up our use of social media to help promote.

How are you reaching out to customers during this crisis?

Social media, weekly intra-hospital electronic newsletter.

What are your social media handles?

Facebook: @blessedatbap

How have you increased your online retail presence to adjust to social distancing?

We are encouraging customers to call in, or FaceTime, and we’ll virtually shop with them.

Debbie Eisele

Debbie Eisele is the former managing editor for Gift Shop Plus, Stationery Trends and a variety of special issue publications, including: The Guide, Holiday Shop, Celebrations & Occasions and Waterfront Living.