Albany businesses need support

By Kathy Thomson

Throughout Texas and most of the nation, only businesses considered essential are allowed to be open, and even those must abide by social distancing rules, causing many stores in Albany to be locked for the duration of the shelter in place order. However, that does not mean that they are not operating at all.

Many are accepting orders online or by phone. Many of the businesses have a website and/or a Facebook page that allow customers to view items for sale.

“Buy what you can here in town,” said Chamber of Commerce manager Mary Beth Jones. “If the local store doesn’t have it, see if they can order it for you. All of them will try their best to find what you need.”

Jones reminded everyone that although shelter in place means staying home as much as possible, it still allows going to get essential items.

“Don’t go out to just shop and look around,” she said. “But when you do get out to get those essentials, support our local businesses.”

She added that trips out of town for purchases increase the chance of contracting the coronavirus and bringing it back to Albany.

Mayor pro tem Susan Montgomery confirmed that, as of press time on Tuesday, there were no positive cases of COVID-19 in Shackelford County.

“We’ve had eight tests given,” said the mayor. “Seven have come back negative and one is still pending. They will report any positive cases to me right away, without any delay, and I will quickly share that information.”

Most neighboring counties have multiple cases of the virus.

“The more we distance ourselves, and the smarter we are with sheltering in place and social distancing, the sooner this will be over,” Jones said. “Be smart and do your part.”

Montgomery echoed those thoughts.

“Since shelter in place means to stay home, please support the local businesses and restaurants,” she said. “Please support them in any way you possibly can.”

Recently, In Focus Digital out of Abilene donated their time and talents to create short videos showcasing several Albany businesses.

“They filmed 15 businesses, and all of the videos turned out great!” Jones said.

Most of those are available for viewing on the Chamber’s Facebook page and also on the store’s online site, although a couple of the videos have not yet been released.

“Sheryl Scott is going to wait and release Happy Life Happy Wife some time in the future, when she can open again,” said Jones. “And Treca (Edington) is still approving Prairie Star’s.”

Businesses considered to be essential, including those providing items such as food, medicine, livestock feed, hardware items, and transportation needs, are still open.

Restaurants are limited to pickup, take out, and delivery options. Some are also offering food items that can be prepared at home. 

“Please support our local businesses and restaurants both now and when we can all open up again,” said Jones. “It will take them awhile to make up for the sales that they have lost.”