“823 people responded to the survey between May 13th and May 21st. 58 percent reported they were still concerned or extremely concerned about the coronavirus. ”

Laramie Main Street surveyed the community to learn what dining and retail options consumers are most interested in as businesses begin to reopen and recover from Covid-19 closures. This survey served as a follow up to the previous consumer survey, to assess how consumers' needs and attitudes have changed since the beginning of the pandemic. 823 people responded to the survey between May 13th and May 21st. 58 percent reported they were still concerned or extremely concerned about the coronavirus.

Results showed that consumers overall are hesitant to resume activities. 49 percent of respondents answered that it would take a long time (longer than a month or two) for them to feel comfortable eating out or attending indoor entertainment. 47.2 percent said they would eat in restaurants if there were socially distant seating. 31 percent however were willing to shop in non-essential retail stores as soon as the option was available to them. 63 percent were ready to resume outdoor recreational activities as soon as possible, but 62 percent responded they were either somewhat or very uncomfortable attending a large community outdoor event (like a festival or concert).

44% of community members used delivery and curbside options somewhat or much more often than before the pandemic, with 23% reporting using delivery once a week. Once businesses are reopened, 80 percent want continued curbside options, and 64 percent would like continued local delivery. Many written comments expressed an interest in food delivery outside of the Laramie city limits.

Respondents showed a continued interest in local ecommerce. 63 percent said the ability to buy products online was something wanted after reopening. 68 percent answered they would likely shop locally online opposed to major national or global retailers if sites were available for them to do so.

As establishments are permitted to reopen to the public, consumers reported the top five main operational practices they wanted to see business owners enforce were:

Businesses providing hand sanitizer (86%)
Limitations on number of customers in a space at one time (72%)
Enforcinging social distancing (70%)
Requiring employees to wear masks (70%)
Encouraging visitors to wear masks (67%)

In many written comments, respondents said they would feel most comfortable if businesses clearly posted the health protocols they were following. Some emphasized they would refuse to patronize businesses that did not take precautions seriously. When asked what precautions consumers would take once restrictions are lifted, 86 percent said they would continue to wash their hands frequently, 72 percent would continue social distancing, and 61 percent would wear a mask in public.

212 respondents wrote in comments to the survey, 86 of them indicating hesitation about relaxing restrictions. Many are concerned reopening is happening too soon, and worry risk isn't being taken seriously. 12 percent of comments expressed they would like masks to be required in public spaces instead of recommended. 16 percent of comments indicated they are ready to reopen or “return to normal.”

Input and suggestions from the community are essential for businesses as Laramie continues reopening. These survey results will be shared directly with local business owners, economic development and community partners to better inform them of consumer wants and needs. Laramie Main Street, along with our partners will utilize these results to develop business training and resources, marketing materials, promotional activities and recovery strategies. For example, based on feedback from consumers and businesses, we are looking into ways to enhance the use of public space for business transactions, including sidewalk seating, parklets, and temporary street closures for dining, retail sales, and recreation.

For more information about Laramie Main Street, our business resources and to access our virtual shopping guide, visit: www.laramiemainstreet.org