A Statement on Redthreaded & Covid-19

UPDATE 3/20/20: We are temporarily waiving all signature requirements on packages, to help assist you with social distancing.

Hello folks, 

A lot can change in a month.

Small business are feeling the immediate impact of the global pandemic and associated closures, cancellations, and financial woes. We are experiencing a drop in sales the likes of which we have not seen in 11 years of business. I know Redthreaded is not alone in this--all of your favorite costume businesses are struggling.

However, I want to reassure our followers and fans on three points: 

1. We're not going anywhere. 

Redthreaded was founded in the midst of a recession. We will do our utmost to make it through another one. I saw the writing on the wall in January, and stocked up on enough materials to get Redthreaded through all of 2020. This means we do not need to worry about supply chain disruptions. We have funds reserves. We will make it through this, but we really hope that sales rebound somewhat by summer.

We will still be shipping orders as usual. When things begin returning to normal, we'll have lots of corset stock waiting. 

2. We're taking care of our people.

Beginning immediately, the Redthreaded team is transitioning to work-from-home setups. This will help our team and their families stay healthy and safe. I also want to assure you that if one of the Redthreaded team gets sick, we will take care of them. We're doing our best to only cut hours if it's not a hardship. I know a lot of you purchase from small businesses because you feel strongly about shopping ethically, so I felt it was important to share this. 

3. Our products are safe. 

We realize some folks are anxious about ordering products online right now, due to fear of contamination. All orders are packed with care--usually by me--with appropriate hand washing, clean work spaces, etc. If one of us gets sick, we will suspend shipping temporarily.

In addition, the CDC has this to say about packages: 

"In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures."

We are taking precautions and have increased disinfecting of machines, tools, and work surfaces as well.

Plus, we have digital patterns in our Etsy shop!

Our hearts are with our followers and customers who are struggling in this difficult time. We realize that many folks are worse off than we are, and it's going to take all of us to pull through this. When the lights go out on Broadway--and the show does not go on--you know things are serious. I wish you all strength, resiliency, and health. Look after each other, and think of the small businesses in your community who are facing challenges they never anticipated. We appreciate your support, and celebrate every order.

And remember, sewing is an excellent stay at home solo activity! We have a couple of new pattern releases planned for the spring, so keep an eye out for those.

~Cynthia