Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce working on “supplies list” to help businesses looking to reopen

Light traffic was flowing in downtown Palm Springs at noon Monday, while window shoppers peered into businesses, most of which remain closed. 

Debra Hunsaker and her husband own The Tinderbox.

They’re looking forward to reopening their doors and are thankful that online orders are keeping them afloat.

“I’m hoping that we can all recover financially.  You know, it’s been a struggle, not just for us but for everyone else,” said Hunsaker.

Hunsaker is among the Palm Springs business owners taking advantage of an effort by the city’s chamber of commerce.

The chamber is surveying their 1,100 members to find out they supplies they need to safely reopen.  

Things like face masks, hand sanitizers and table wipes.

Chamber CEO Nona Watson says in a matter of days the chamber will order the supplies in bulk, lowering costs. 

“It’s important because we want our businesses to reopen, and we know they will need help reopening,” said Watson. 

The owner of Eight4Nine Restaurant, Willie Rhine says he too is placing an order with the chamber.    

With his business down “90 percent”, he and other merchants welcome a chance to save money on supplies, some of which are still hard to get. 

Those we talked to all say they’re eager to get their businesses moving forward again while doing it safely.

They’re waiting to get the “green light” from the governor and county and city officials to enter the next phase of reopening. 

Watson says the chamber’s phone is ringing “constantly”, with calls coming from would be tourists asking about which hotels, restaurants and attractions are open. 

One resident we spoke with is eager to get businesses open again, but she too emphasizes safety