We’re happy to report that Pure Soul is open for the season. We popped in at the Bridge Street boutique this week and met with the owner, Sylma Cabrera.
In addition to her Shelter Island location, Sylma has three other stores: two in Puerto Rico and one in Miami. We did a Q & A with her about how her business is doing during the pandemic.
Q: How has your business been doing?
A: I think that in terms of business, it’s obviously a very challenging time, but it requires great strength in order to go forward and stay very focused. I think Shelter Island has this substance and the sense of community that can support any business. I think it’s really important that the residents know that we’re open and that we are taking the necessary safety measures to attend their needs.
Q: What are some of your methods to keep people feeling safe and comfortable in your store?
A: For example, in terms of our business, we offer hand sanitizer, we have gloves, we have disposable masks that if the customer perhaps forgot they can have when they come in. We also take care of the cleaning of the store constantly but especially after every customer. We clean our equipment, we disinfect the areas where the customers rest their hands, the machines and the POS system. We also make sure that if they want to take the clothing with them, and they prefer not to try it in our store, that they can do so. They can bring it home and return it at any time. We have a seven day [return] policy so it’s comfortable for everyone.
Q: Do you have special protocols for handling items?
Once [a return] comes back, or if anything is tried on in the store, we quarantine those goods for 48 hours and we also heat steam every piece of clothing. So that way we can assure that the clothing is fresh and in good disposition for everyone to try it or buy. So safety is the most important concept for this summer in this store, as well as the other stores I have. Style and safety. You can still be stylish during the summer, you still can do your shopping and have the styling experience in a safe way.
Q: Do you offer appointments?
I think it’s really important to have more of a one-on-one relationship with the customer. So we offer appointments if anyone would like to have the store closed for them for a period of 30 minutes or an hour, we’re happy to devote time for them alone.
Q. How many people are allowed in the store at one time?
We allow two people at a time and after two people, we lock the door. We can invite the customers to sit here in the back [where there is a small patio overlooking Chase Creek] and when the store is free, we call them in. It feels so nice and flowy; people come in and out, we keep both doors open so we have this beautiful fresh air flowing through the store the whole time, and it has been a beautiful experience.
Q: What feedback are you getting from customers?
The beginning of the season for us has been wonderful and very welcoming. It’s wonderful when I run into customers or they pop their head into the store [and say] “We are so happy that you’re back!”, that warms my heart because it takes so much effort for a business to rise up and show up. I am grateful for any business that we have this summer, it’s better than nothing.
Q: How is your Shelter Island location doing in comparison to your other stores?
A: In comparison, this is the store that I love the most. Yes, because it’s much more relaxed and I know that people that come into the store it’s because they love what we offer. It’s not so much the product, it’s the experience, you know, it’s gentle, it’s welcoming, we give the customer the space but we also have great stories behind every product. And even if it’s just for a browse and people come in and they feel relaxed they embrace a new product that they are not going to see commercially in department stores. That alone is so satisfying because I know that people come in and leave with a sense of happiness. Even if it’s just a little bit of happiness.
Q: Of course, that’s great. Is there anything else you want to add about business?
A: I am very optimistic that if we continue to take the proper safety, that we can continue to grow through the summer, that we will continue to attract new opportunities. We will be bringing new products regardless. It is my commitment to Shelter Island to make sure that we have a great summer especially now that people have to stay in their homes and they have been put away for awhile.
Pure Soul is located at 183 North Ferry Road (Bridge Street), Shelter Island. Hours are 10AM to 5PM daily. For more information, reach Sylma and her staff at 516-413-4136.
