By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, McKenzie Houseman, owner of 20|EAST in Cazenovia, has altered her business to meet the new needs of the community.

The farm store, which typically offers a unique selection of locally produced art, food and gifts, has been stocked primarily with groceries and essential items since the start of the shutdown.

“Once businesses were forced to close unless they were deemed essential, I jumped in with both feet to bring in all of the local food that I could pack in my little store,” said Houseman. “I always had food, but I really focused on listening to the needs of the customer. It was never an option to close the doors. I had to let the gift side of my business go dormant briefly while I focused on feeding the community. People were scared, and I think it helped alleviate some stress to know that I had the things their family needed the most.”

One of the biggest changes to the business, according to Houseman, was the transition to curbside pickup and delivery.

Because customers are not permitted to enter the store and look around, the 20|EAST website has been reconfigured to feature a comprehensive list of available products.

“We also do a lot of ‘personal shopping’ at the door,” Houseman said. “I really miss letting people explore the unique products we carry, but I needed to keep my family and friends safe.”

According to the shop owner, local farmers, bakers and other food makers have worked tirelessly to ensure that 20|EAST is stocked, even during the busiest of times.

In addition to carrying the shop’s usual food products, Houseman is now offering other New York State items, like whole chickens, herbs, specialty cooking sauces, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

She is also working with local restaurants to offer some of their specialty items.

“We have pub cheese and pumpkin bread from the Brae Loch,” Houseman said “It’s been a huge hit. The Lincklaen House has let me use their cooler for my overflow, and they ordered from their supplier for me whenever I needed. We will be carrying ice cream from the Brewster soon.”

Thanks to her parents’ cleaning supply business, Houseman had access to toilet paper, sanitizer, gloves and other necessities that were being wiped out of bigger stores at the start of the shutdown.

“We essentially became a general store,” she said. “ . . . We [had] people buying toilet paper to send to their children in other states because they couldn’t get it. We have also been able to keep our flower bouquets from Spruce Ridge when [we weren’t sure] they would still be able to get more flowers. It really helped boost people’s moods . . . It has been amazing to watch how each business has adapted to the new normal.”

According to Houseman, the adjustments made to her business and the support of the community have allowed 20|EAST to remain afloat during these uncertain times.

“These changes helped me remain an essential business,” she said. “I think we have been successful. We continue to adapt as the needs of the people change. We have customers and other shop owners from all over that have been buying food and gift certificates to show their support. We are forever grateful . . . The response by the community has been wonderful. It is so nice to show people that we have everything we need right here. We are so lucky to live in an area abundant in food and open, outdoor spaces. People thank me every day for staying open. It feels so good to serve our community.”

As of May 26, Houseman was preparing to fully reopen her shop with the announcement of Phase 2 of the state’s restart plan.

Once the pandemic is over, Houseman plans to keep the majority of the changes to the store’s inventory.

“As long as people continue to buy and support local, I will keep my shelves stocked,” she said. “It is a joy to be able to run a business that feeds my family and supports all of the farmers and other vendors at the same time. I am spending this week reorganizing the store to welcome shoppers back in so we can start selling our wonderful, locally made gifts, as well as the great food items.”

20|EAST is located at 85 Albany St. To learn more about the store and its offerings, visit 20-east.com.

For more information on the local response to COVID-19, visit the CazCOVIDResponse website at sites.google.com/view/cazcovidresponse/home.