Storefront Stories – The Gallery at Four India Street
 

Storefront Stories is presented by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. We are featuring various island business in hopes to promote how our local entrepreneurs are adapting to this new environment and promoting the amazing things they are doing for our island community. We will be introducing different businesses to show how they have chosen to pivot, their recent experiences, personal growth, and any tips or advice they have learned over the last 6 months. 
 

The Gallery at Four India Street has been a fine art destination for Nantucket residents and visitors since 1989. The Gallery’s Owner/Director, Kathleen Knight specializes in 19th – 21st c. American fine art paintings, sculpture, art glass and photography. The Gallery offers the following services to our clients:  Fine art installations, resale of private and corporate art collections, art rentals for private or public spaces, workshops for emerging artists and constructive one on one critiques for artists. The Gallery welcomes inquiries about specific art works with special attention to guidance and knowledge in collecting fine art.

The Nantucket Chamber spoke with owner, Kathleen Knight.

1. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced during the time of COVID-19 both personally and professionally? 

Personally, it has been stressful having some visitors walking in town without masks until the new restrictions were posted. Professionally, it has taken a toll on retail and especially the arts. My visitor rate has dropped by 75% along with sales. 

 

Adjusting has meant more online e-commerce websites, more social media postings, direct marketing, videos, and small private viewings. Wearing a mask daily is an adjustment to breathing, preventing my glasses from fogging, being able to clearly communicate has made Zoom and Instagram postings a daily reach out to my loyal customer base and attracting new buyers with special offerings monthly. I rely more now on internet media over hard copy advertising. 

 

I am always seeking new ways to improve my business and COVID will not be my demise. Hopefully since all businesses are struggling, there is some comfort in knowing we talk more, share ideas and I believe has made us a tighter knit community of retailers on island. 

 

Network, be kind to your fellow merchants, be willing to share advise, learn what marketing strategies are working, join more webinars and be positive. 

 

Reinventing myself and business to change with the times. Have no fears, stay informed and care for others.

Thank you The Gallery at Four India Street for participating in our Storefront Stories Series! Learn more about The Gallery at Four India Street here!