‘Retail therapy’: Local shops open up for curbside pickups

In the first phase of the state’s retail re-openings, local clothing boutiques and bookstores began opening up their doors on May 8. Florists and sporting goods stores are also included in Governor Gavin Newsom’s gradual reopening of lower-risk workplaces with adaptations.

While you can’t quite yet go inside to peruse the bookshelves, Del Mar Highlands Town Center’s DIESEL bookstore encouraged readers to shop online for books that will be waiting for them at the door. In Flower Hill Promenade, Tre Boutique delivered dresses straight into car trunks for curbside pick up.

Last Friday, Pigment and Whiskey & Leather opened up shop in One Paseo and West of Camden expects to re-open soon.

Urban Girl Accessories in Pacific Highlands Ranch was open in time for Mother’s Day.

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Following the regulations outlined by the city and state, One Paseo rolled out steps to safely welcome retailers and shoppers, from implementing heightened sanitation measures to offering a designated garage pick-up area.

With the garage drive up and pick up program, 11 spots have been designated in the structure off Del Mar Heights Road. Guests are asked to pull into one of the marked stalls and call the retailer to inform them of their stall number for delivery of their items.

One Paseo’s safety precautions include enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of high touch areas, increasing security staffing to ensure visitors are following social distancing rules and wearing masks, placing markings and signage to direct walking traffic and maintain social distancing throughout the center and in the restrooms.

At Del Mar Highlands, boutiques Vuori, Tucci, Fairen Del, Little Apple and Rumeur Lingerie opened May 8 and Daisy Blue and Pretty Please expect to open May 15.

Adapting to the new rules, Little Apple is providing FaceTime styling sessions and offering a modified return policy so customers can try on pieces at home without obligation to purchase.

“We are beyond excited to reopen. We have missed seeing our customers’ familiar faces and appreciate all their support during this difficult time,” said owner Jeanne Ring. “We have tons of new spring arrivals to share with our customers and can’t wait to bring some much-needed retail therapy back to the community.”