Open For Business: Local business fights to stay afloat amid coronavirus outbreak

SALISBURY, Md. – “There’s a lot you can do to plan for rainy days, but I don’t think there’s too much any of us can really do to plan for a pandemic,” said Amanda Arnold, owner of The Shady Sun Tanning Co.

The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on many local businesses all across Delmarva and Amanda Arnold at The Shady Sun says her tanning salon is getting hit hard, too.

“Myself included, but a lot of us are worried about paying rent for April with our businesses and what even May will look like,” said Arnold.

Arnold says although she has been able to remain open by appointment more and more people are staying at home in a nationwide effort to contain the virus.

“Luckily, our clients have been so understanding and a lot of them have been coming to us and are already rescheduling,” said Arnold.

“So, we haven’t necessarily had to close, but we’re also not trying to advertise and take new clients in either,” said Arnold.

Now she is relying on selling her products online to help keep this Downtown Salisbury tanning salon alive.

“We’re putting all of our products online and we’re putting gift card sales online.”

“I have friends who are aestheticians and they’re doing at home facial kits.”

Arnold says even though the beauty industry is struggling to stay afloat during the outbreak she is hopeful that people in the community will continue to show their support.

“Even if it’s just a note of encouragement to oh my gosh I just got this product and I love it and here’s all about it.”

Arnold says that she is also planning on posting educational videos online that will help the community and her business.