Updated: Furniture stores now open by appointment

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Furniture stores are now operating under an appointment only basis under a modification of Gov. John Carney’s emergency order.

The Delaware House Republican Caucus earlier announced the change in a release.  The caucus reported that legislators from both parties pressed for the change.

However, retailers were slow to move on the change. Laurel-based Johnny Janosik, which has locations in all three counties in Delaware is now taking appointments.

Raymour and Flanigin, which has two stores in New Castle County will be open for appointments beginning on Saturdays. Also open by appointment is Furniture Solution, Bear.

Other stores, according to their websites, remain closed.

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The change is similar to modifications made for auto and gun dealers. Auto dealers, gun stores, and now furniture stores can meet with customers and hold sales by appointment. 

The state Dental Society this week suggested that practices could begin to open for routine visits this month. However, state health officials advised staying with emergency procedures only. 

The state generally followed federal guidelines on closing businesses, a move that generated a flood of requests.

In Pennsylvania, the process of granting exceptions led to a case going to a U.S. Supreme Court justice. House Republicans in that state have attacked the process by Tom Wolf administration. Wolf is a Democrat.

Delaware Republican House members Thursday urged Gov. John Carney to reopen the state while offering few specifics.

In Delaware, some retailers, such as the video game chain GameStop, tried to stay open with a pick up-only but later shut down. Department stores like Kohl’s and Penneys decided to close voluntarily.

Clothing stores are closed, but big box stores, like Target and Walmart, with clothing departments remain open. Home improvement stores also remain open.

Furniture store  sales can attract crowds, but stores but typically have few customers much of the time.

The modification may indicate that state officials are breathing a little easier after coronavirus hospitalizations have stayed below worst-case projections.

The state does have hotspots for coronavirus in the New Castle area- Wilmington area as well as portions of Kent and Sussex counties. 

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