Little Traveler in Geneva to reopen Friday

After being closed to the public since Thanksgiving due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Little Traveler in Geneva will reopen for indoor shopping on Friday.

The store's new hours will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

The Little Traveler, at 404 S. Third St., will continue online and curbside service, but employees are looking forward to seeing customers in person again, said owner Michael Simon.

"They haven't seen anyone since Thanksgiving," Simon said. "Right now, buyers and managers are rearranging the floors, getting ready for spring and new merchandise. Since the store was closed people were asking if we really would ever reopen. I wanted the (COVID-19) numbers to come down consistently and not put people in danger."

That was the reason he closed the store in November, because the infection rate numbers were just too high to do it safely, he said.

And it just so happens that the store's reopening coincides with the region moving up to Phase 4, which allows indoor dining again in the store's Atrium Cafe.

"We are excited," Simon said. "Now we can have indoor eating. We are talking today about how to lay out the cafe, so we're doing it to make sure every table is at least 6 feet apart. It will take half the normal capacity. And Chef David Bogash is coming up with new menu items."

The cafe will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday but is also offering dinner for four that can be taken home, Simon said.

"It's an entree, homemade rolls, a vegetable and homemade dessert. It was popular while we were closed," Simon said.

"These past few months, while we've been shut down to in-store shopping, have been a great learning experience, and have taught us several things about how people like to shop," Simon said. "We'll continue to offer personal shoppers who are available each day to work with customers by phone, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom; touchless curbside pickup, and our website."