Delaware in a back to businesses mode after Hurricane Sandy

After a level two driving order shut down the state on Monday and part of Tuesday, many people and businesses are back to work as usual.

 

Businesses started re-opening on Tuesday and normal business hours resumed today for most companies and schools.

WSFS bank, which is headquartered in Wilmington, closed their branches throughout the state on Monday but was able to open all locations by early afternoon Tuesday. The bank reported no disruptions in service to customers.

“We had a huge amount of associates in place to do what they could remotely,” explained Stephanie Heist, vice president of marketing for WSFS. “While bank business and branch transactions were not happening, all 400 of our ATMs were operational so customers were able to conduct business there. In addition we were also making sure that wire transfers and other normal back end business were still happening.”

Gemma Buckley, owner of Ninth Street Book Shop in downtown Wilmington returned to her store Tuesday to check for damage and prepare to reopen.

“Yesterday my husband and I came into the store to check to make sure that everything was ok and that we hadn’t lost power here or had any water problems,” she said. “We thought if we saw any traffic that we would open for a little while but it was apparent that no one was in town and no shops were open so we turned around and went home.”

Action Hardware store owner Jeff Ulma said his store was busy ahead of the storm but has seen the rush die down since Sandy’s departure.

“A lot of people were preparing, buying batteries and flashlights and that kind of stuff,” said Ulma. “Since then we’re back to normal but we’re out of a lot of things people want.”

Ulma said he’s been fielding calls from people looking for generators due to power outages. He’s also selling leaf bags and clean-up supplies.

Christiana Mall saw a spike in business before the storm and when they re-opened their doors on Tuesday afternoon.

“Generally what happens after a storm, the mall closes and you have a lot of pent up shopping,” explained Steven Chambliss, senior general manager for Christiana Mall. “People were in their home for a couple of extra days so they’re anxious to get out. With all the businesses and schools being closed yesterday, yesterday afternoon was like weekend traffic in here.”