We all want to get out and about and support the businesses we love—but with the news changing by the minute, it’s hard to know how to do that responsibly. The 2ND Street District, one of our favorite areas in the city for walking, shopping, and dining is going above and beyond to make customers and employees as safe as possible. Located in the center of downtown, the district prides itself on being a first-class retail district with a heightened focus on the customer experience and local businesses.
To make your visit quick and easy, they are offering free two-hour parking with any 2SD tenant purchase in AMLI garages, including nights and weekends. And while all tenants are encouraged to follow local government and the latest CDC and health department recommendations, and most are still offering curbside pick-up or delivery, several are also doing even more. Here are just a few examples.
Austin Rocks, Toy Joy, and Yummi Joy
Looking for the perfect gift with Austin flair or craving a sweet treat? Austin Rocks, Toy Joy, and Yummi Joy have something for everyone! All three stores require employees and customers to hand wash or sanitize with alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol upon entering the store. Customers and employees are required to distance from one another and a sneeze guard and safe zone have been implemented at each cash register where transactions can occur at closer distances. Each store will have masks available for $3, which is refundable with a $10 purchase. Austin Rocks, Toy Joy, and Yummi Joy will also be offering phone and email-based concierge shopping. Please reach out to store@toyjoy.com or call 512-904-0209.
If all that time at home has you looking to redecorate your space, Blue Dot is the spot for all your modern design needs! During this time, Blue Dot’s doors will remain locked as the team is asking customers to please call to be let in. Hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the store, while the staff will be enforcing social distancing. Blue Dot asks that all customers and employees wear a mask inside the store.
Eliza Page showcases curated collections by select independent artists based in Austin and around the world. Dedicated to featuring jewelry that is designed and finished by artisan hands, with an emphasis on beauty and quality, they have stunning pieces for all occasions! During this time, masks are required at Eliza Page. The staff will be sanitizing all shared workspaces and surfaces in-store multiple times throughout the day as well as cleaning jewelry thoroughly before and after customers try it on. Upon arrival, guests will be asked to ring the doorbell or call, and a team member will come open the door. Appointments can be made here.
To help make weekends feel a little more like weekends again, La Condesa announced today the return of brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m! In addition to brunch, La Condesa is open for dine-in and takeaway, Wednesday through Saturday from noon-8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.. At La Condesa, masks are required at all times until guests are seated at their table. All tables are thoroughly sanitized before and after every party, seating is spaced six-feet apart, and party sizes are limited to government standards. Menus are disposed of after one use and QR codes are available to view a digital menu.
LACQUER is a natural nail studio committed to providing quality nail services in a clean, luxurious and modern environment and the nail studio has officially reopened! Guests can make appointments by calling or visiting the website. The staff have been trained on COVID-19 prevention and will be wearing masks and gloves. Additionally, employees will continue to follow safe salon techniques, like using a medical autoclave to sterilize implements, using disposable, single-use files and buffers, and wearing nitrile gloves for every service. The disinfectant used is EPA approved for COVID-19 and kills viruses after one minute of contact.
Looking for a little relaxation and rejuvenation? milk + honey has you covered. The spa has officially reopened in the district. All clients are required to wear masks upon arrival and throughout the duration of their reservation. At this time, the amenities in the locker room, including showers, robes, sandals, and styling products are temporarily unavailable. milk + honey encourages clients to bring their own water bottles but will provide water upon request in single-use cups. The team asks that their concierge handles all retail and asks that clients refrain from touching the products on the shelves. For those who are not ready to return to the salon, you can still shop at-home products in the signature spa blend. The dreamy combination of lavender + eucalyptus in our Nº 08 products is designed to transport you to your last relaxing milk + honey spa visit.
Royal Blue Grocery is offering to-go orders and staying open as a standing grocery store for retail essentials from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. With a steady stream of beer, bread, eggs, milk, produce, and all of the other amazing products you’ve come to love from RBG, the team is working hard to stock all of your essentials (and tasty non-essentials) while keeping the stores clean and safe. In order to enter the store, customers must wear a hands-free face mask. If they do not have one, the store has them available for purchase for $1. The staff is also required to wear masks and gloves. Royal Blue Grocery will sanitize registers after every transaction and sanitize the store on an hourly basis. There is also a hand sanitizing station in the store for customer use.
Sikara & Co. is excited to welcome customers back to the “World of Sikara” in the downtown Austin flagship store. In order to protect everyone, their stylists will wear face coverings and gloves and practice social distancing from customers and each other. They request that all customers wear face coverings in the store at all times, and they will provide free face masks to those who do not have their own. Sikara & Co will also offer a FaceTime or Zoom styling experience in addition to easy curbside pick-up.
Click here for a full list of 2ND Street District restaurants and retailers, and follow along for updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @2ndstdistrict.
