It’s only an extra few feet, but for Rosanna Medina extending her storefront outside onto the sidewalk will make a big difference. 

“It’s going to encourage the customer to come in and enjoy us,” said Medina.

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor de Blasio announced the executive order, inspired by the city’s Open Streets and Outdoor Dining Programs  

  • Businesses that take part will be permitted to use the sidewalk directly in front of their store to set up tables to sell their items

  • Rosanna Medina, who owns a shapewear store in the Bronx says she plans on signing up in hopes of attracting more foot traffic

Medina owns Fajas la Grenua — a shapeware store on East Fordham Road in the Bronx. Like many businesses across the city, she was forced to close during the height of the pandemic. And she says since they’ve reopened, business has been quiet. 

“Right now, it's less sales. Very low. It's slow,” said Medina.

So, she is eager to apply for the city’s new Open Storefronts program. Businesses that take part will be permitted to use the sidewalk directly in front of their store to set up tables to sell their items. Businesses on the same block can also apply jointly for one large open area.

Medina says it allows more room for social distancing. She says they do not allow more than three people inside the store.

She’s hopeful the program will allow her to attract more customers, just in time for the holiday season.

“We can enjoy at least these few days of weather, which has been good,” said Medina. 

For more information, you can head to nyc.gov/openstorefronts.

The program is currently scheduled to run through December 31.