With current pandemic restrictions, big retail businesses are in a tough place — allowing customers in the stores as normal isn’t an option, given government restrictions and health guidelines. But not being there for customers carries its own long-term risks.

In Utah, Idaho and Nevada, RC Willey stores remain open with reduced hours and shopping by appointment. California locations are currently closed. Vice President of Marketing Director Mike Woodward said most customers today are less concerned about sofas and more focused on pressing needs like freezers, home office furniture and even home fitness equipment.

"We’re even seeing demand for games and electronics as people try to find ways to keep themselves active and entertained when they have to remain inside," Woodward said.

During this crisis, buying furniture might not be high on the list of priorities for most. But if your refrigerator or washing machine stops working or the computer your children need for at-home schoolwork gives out, your perspective of what constitutes an essential need can quickly change.

The people at RC Willey know that life doesn’t stop because you’re staying home. Like many other businesses, they are using innovation and flexibility to stay open and to meet customer needs in an unprecedented situation.

So whether you need a freezer to store food or medicine or a desk for a home study area, here’s how you can still get what you need and want from RC Willey.

Personal shopping time

If you’ve ever gone shopping and been distracted by the crowds of people and noise around you, you’re not alone. But right now you can have a completely personal, quiet shopping at RC Willey.

All you need to do is make an appointment and you’ll have a personalized VIP shopping experience. You can make the appointment online, or call your local store and set it up over the phone.

Once you get there, you’ll be ushered inside where an associate can direct you where you want to browse. No one will shake your hand and all social distancing and health department guidelines are practiced. An associate will be nearby to help and answer questions, but you’ll truly have a no-pressure shopping experience.

If the fear of contracting COVID is still concerning, rest assured that the teams in each store are disinfecting high-traffic areas after each customer’s appointment, and multiple times a day otherwise. All stores close at 7 p.m. for the time being and those extra few hours at night are reserved for even deeper cleaning and sanitation.

Online ordering

Of course, if you’d rather browse from home, that’s always an option — pandemic or no pandemic. RCWilley.com has a full range of inventory on its website for you to browse.

You can focus your search easily to find what you’re looking for. For example, if you want a washer, narrow it down by top loader, your preferred brand, the color and whether or not it’s in stock. The easier your online experience is, the faster you can get your new appliances in your home and running.

Contactless Shipments

Once you decide on your new appliance or other needed item, you get to choose how you receive it. RC Willey has several options that can help keep you safe. Delivery can drop your purchase off in your driveway or garage so you don’t have to worry about someone bringing possible new germs into your home.

If you prefer to pick it up yourself, you can have it shipped to the store closest to you. This is also a contactless option; just park in the pickup area, give the store a call and wait for an associate to bring your order out to you. They will put it directly in your car or truck while you hang out in the car. You won’t be within six feet of another person with either delivery option.

And while some retailers are struggling with inventory because of the pandemic, Woodward reported that hasn’t been the case for RC Willey. Area stores are fully stocked so whatever you need should be available the same day or next day in most cases,

Whether you need a new recliner for a more comfortable convalescence or you need to replace your dishwasher, know you’re safe shopping local with RC Willey. To find a store near you or start shopping online, visit their website.

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