HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The statewide mandate to wear a mask has changed the way folks shop, and also how businesses operate. Since the mask mandate, some store managers at Bridge Street Town Centre say they've seen a dip in sales and customers.
"So it has been a little bit slower than it normally has been. I feel like people feel like they are forced to come in wearing a mask, so it hasn't been as busy," says 'Shades' Sales Associate, Caroline Tipps.
Employees at 'Shades' say business has been down a bit since Governor Kay Ivey requires people to wear masks in public.
"We don't have other corporate stores. So I think as a small business with a mask mandate, it has been a little difficult you know, we haven't seen the numbers that we had in the past," says 'Shades' Manager, Harleigh Murray.
Murray also says simple things have become a little more difficult, like hearing customers through face coverings and trying on shades.
"With trying on sunglasses it is kind of hard to you know, put sunglasses on with a face covering and trying to see what you look like. 'Cause I mean, you're buying sunglasses based off looks really."
Across the street, Urban Cookhouse managers say they've experienced both ups and downs since the mask mandate.
"So we've seen an uptick in curbside pickup. We've also just released online ordering, carry-out has been really good. But since the mask mandate we've seen about a 25 percent drop in our dine-in," says Urban Cookhouse HSV, Business Development Manager, Wendy Coates.
They say the restaurant's new touch-less service has kept them afloat.
"We also offer a neighborhood delivery. Neighborhood deliveries really, really got us through the shutdown. And I am actively looking for new neighborhoods, repeat neighborhoods right now," added Coates.
The mask mandate will remain in effect until at least the end of this month.