Operating During a Pandemic

Klipper Kingz & Miner Combat keep doors open during COVID-19

It’s been about one week since Klipper Kingz reopened on Eagle Street, but the shop is not open to full capacity just yet.
Owner Christopher Barton said he’s taking it slow and waiting to see what will happen as the state approaches Phase 3 of reopening.

“People were itching to get haircuts with everything shut down,” he said. “It definitely makes people appreciate the shop.”

Barton has owned Klipper Kingz for 13 years. He said he stocked up on hand sanitizer, gloves and he disinfects the chairs that clients sit in once their appointment is finished. All clients must wear a mask inside the shop.

Instead of taking calls for appointments, Barton has taken to Facebook for monitoring requests while maintaining an open door policy. “People don’t mind sitting outside or waiting in their car,” he said.

Klipper Kingz is open M-F 11-5. Message the shop on Facebook for availability.

Miner Combat fitness has a bit of a different situation operating as a gym. Owner Becky Miner has taken to virtual and outdoor classes since closing her doors to the public in March.

While some may be eager to get back to a bar or restaurant, others are ready to step back into the gym. Miner Combat on Union Street has been closed since March 15th but quickly took to offer 17 weekly classes online. As the days got warmer owner Becky Miner shifted to socially distanced outdoor classes. Miner said she’s looking forward to reopening but is still waiting on guidelines and safety precautions from the state about Phase 3.

Some of the cleaning/safety procedures that Miner said her team will be taking include deep cleaning, giving members their own sanitized bin for personal belongings while in class as well as fire-rated magnetized doors so that door handles aren’t touched. 

“I pride myself on the cleanliness of my gym but now we will be taking it to a whole new level,” Miner said.

Most small businesses in North Adams that were not listed as an essential business have navigated their future by taking it day-by-day. Miner said that she’s grateful to be a part of the North Adams business community who are “working together to support each other.”

 “It has strengthened the community,” Miner said. 

 Follow Miner Combat’s updates on Facebook.