The coronavirus pandemic has impacted all of us—directly or indirectly—and it’s a moment in time we will all likely remember. As the saying goes, it will be one for the history books. What is not yet clear is the long-term impact of the pandemic and how it will ultimately impact our lives—both globally and locally. However, one thing is certain: businesses will have to find new ways to survive.
And that’s just what small businesses across Rockville are doing as they explore new possibilities and opportunities to adapt to these trying times.
The Cottage Monet in Rockville Town Center is a perfect example. Initially, the shop shut its doors due to COVID-19. But CEO, Caya Cagri found a way to keep her store going strong by adapting her business to meet the needs of her customers during the pandemic. Fitting with the store’s No. 1 goal to accommodate its customers, Cagri began offering drop-offs and storefront pickups for customers. The store also offers contactless checkout and disinfectant throughout the store for those who still prefer to shop in the store. As a result, the Cottage Monet is confidently moving into the fall season.
Cottage Monet offers ceramics made in Italy and has been a fixture in Rockville Town Center.. Cagri says the store offers customers “a little bit of fun and hope” and provides them with a sense of normalcy.
“That’s what we do best—provide a sense of personal attachment because in this hour of COVID and isolation, you need to reach out on a more personal level,” says Cagri. Although Cagri is upbeat, she notes that she has encountered several challenges learning to operate in this new normal. For example, due to states policies on COVID, the store had to reduce its store hours and follow new COVID protocols for shopping.
Yet, Cottage Monet is a Rockville success story as it remains open and accessible for all customers—whether they prefer to shop online or on-site. Check out Cottage Monet for Italian ceramics, wedding items, candles and many other projects by visiting the store located at 36 Maryland Avenue #H, Rockville Md, or online .
As Cottage Monet has shown, the pandemic doesn’t mean the end of business in Rockville Town Center.
Published by Timothy Fahey; and written by Wyatt Karem a freelance writer and videographer. Timothy Fahey is branding and design professional, designer, professor, blogger, videographer and owner of Dirigo Agency Inc., a company focused on helping business owners use branding, design, and content to market their business. He has worked in the agency business since 1986 and served both local and global brands. His passion is to collaborate with others to create content more strategically so they get the recognition and results they desire through content marketing efforts.