LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The springtime is usually Eric Talbott's busiest time of the year, and it's not hard to see why when you walk into Talbott Fashions in downtown Louisville.
The store is filled with the latest fine looks perfect for that certain horse race usually held the first weekend in May.
"Derby itself probably would sustain my business three to four months alone," he said. "I was looking forward to do business and hopefully to gain some new customers."
But with the coronavirus pandemic pushing the Kentucky Derby to the fall and forcing retail shops like his to close their doors, Talbott said it has been hard. Making matters even more complicated is that this is a new store.
"I didn't like it being a new business," he said. "When you're new, it's hard enough to get people to come in."
For several years, Talbott has done business out of his shop in a small space in the Galt House's "Retail Row." This past October, Talbott expanded his business, opening his second location at 217 S. Fifth Street, hoping to cater to both tourists and people working downtown.
"When the storefront came open, I took the opportunity to take a chance on opening up the business here," Talbott said.
With the restrictions expected to be lifted soon, Talbott is ready to get back to business. He is planning on opening on May 20 with limited hours but hopes to be back to regular business hours as it gets closer to the rescheduled Derby.
"You're still going to have people come to town and would like to spend and dress up," he said. "Will they want to put pink on and lavender? Who knows? But we'll have it for them if they do."
Talbott Fashions is offering a 20% discount on any item after it reopens when a customer mentions WHAS11.
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