COVID-19
Division Road Inc. is sensitive to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 virus and the communal crisis that has occurred. Through this uncertainty, we have been committed to the safety of our team and customers. From the beginning, we have taken actions to provide a clean environment and will be smart and stalwart during this event, sticking to factual information and maintaining operations with best practices that adhere to the guidance provided by CDC and WHO medical professionals.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Starting Friday, June 12th our Seattle Store Location is open By Appointment Only. You may schedule an appointment via phone, email, or at the bottom of our website though our booking system that is seamlessly integrated into our site and store procedures.
Currently, we will be offering this Appointment Service Wednesday through Saturday in 1-hour blocks for all in-store shopping, initially limited to one client per block to provide an elevated and personalized shopping experience in typical Division Road style.
- As King County has formally moved to a modified Phase 1.5 stage, we will continue this service well through Phase 2 and possibly beyond to allow us to limit exposure from the general public, maintain social distancing, institute best cleaning and sanitation practices, and provide a high level of service for safe and sound shopping for our customers, team members, and remote clientele.
- Cleanliness and sanitation standards always have been critical components of our operations at Division Road. Per appointment, we will disinfect all working surfaces, devices, handles, seating, and exposed fixtures. We wash hands correctly and frequently, keep an extremely hygienic and clean environment, and have instituted many protection measures to ensure the safety for our customers and team.
- For the time being, we do ask that you wear a face covering when shopping, and all Division Road team members will be wearing masks. Disposable face masks will be provided if needed, along with hand sanitizer and washroom access. If feeling unwell, possibly exposed to coronavirus, or running a temperature, please do not schedule an appointment. If you experience any of the aforementioned issues, you can cancel your appointment through your confirmation emails or by contacting us directly via phone or email.
We have considered several methods that would allow us to provide a tailored, elevated, and safe shopping experience for all our local and remote clients: This by-appointment approach will consist of the same above and beyond service standard you have come to expect from Division Road. We have waited a long time to once again provide our landmark shopping experience and look forward to serving you soon.
Divisionroadinc.com will be operating online as usual. We will be available during normal business hours by phone and email and welcome your inquiries. Order fulfillment and product releases remain on schedule, per our regular responsive and prompt program. We aim to provide our usual high service standards and will ship your orders responsibly and punctually. Through Phase 2, we will continue refunding shipping charges for online orders destined to addresses within King County.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THOSE AFFECTED
In March we began our Contribute Through Craft Program that allocates 10% of Gross Profits (Sale minus Cost of Goods) from each month to action a direct donation plan to those disrupted by this health and economic crisis. We are focusing our efforts toward the Pioneer Square neighborhood and small businesses community that have been gravely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. From our Cash-in-Hand plan in March, to Feed-the-Need in April, and our upcoming Cut-the-Crisis for May-June, this will be an ongoing monthly effort documented on our Journal, Bulletin, and social media. This is a dire financial situation for many, and please know that your purchases with Division Road will directly benefit some of those facing the significant consequences of this crisis and will result in some grassroots good while keeping our operation along with our employees, neighborhood, vendors, and community, viable for the future.
HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS
In April, Division Road installed a Commercial Air Purification System within our HVAC unit along with utilizing higher rated MERV filters. After researching various methods of purifying air with the goal of killing bacteria, mold, and viruses we determined the best system that combines UV, Oxidation Plasma, Ionized Hydro-peroxides, Super Oxide Ions, and Hydroxide Ions, which are all friendly air oxidizers that pose no health risk yet sanitize the air and surfaces. The RGF Advanced Oxidation Technology used has been proven through over 25 years of implementation and is approved and in use by the US Military, among many other international governmental and medical facilities. Along with proven reduction rates of 99.99% surface bacteria/virus, 97% airborne bacteria/mold, and 85% VOC, this system will even kill 99% of microbes in human sneezes within 3 feet. Division Road will continue to research and use technology to improve sanitation and ensure garments, packages, and our environments are beyond best practices and our business is maintaining safe conditions to continue operations.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
While we have high professional standards in all regards and aim to operate at the level of much larger corporations, Division Road is a team of three individuals. This business is the lifeblood of our livelihood, supports a niche of authentically made quality goods, and in turn is a driver of prosperity for many throughout our chain of partnerships. As the health concern is paramount for us all, social distancing and shutdown measures resultant from this crisis have and will cause lasting economic distress for a huge population. Many of them will be businesses like ours and those that we support, who endeavor to provide the world with truly special goods and personalized experiences. Let's maintain and preserve the foundational drivers of the economic system and keep the craft alive, along with one another.