WE STILL REMAIN AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS, PROVIDING HEALTHCARE AND CLEANING PRODUCTS, INCLUDING HAND SANITIZER AND PPE (FACE MASKS)
AT THIS TIME WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR CURBSIDE PICK UP. **Please order on our website, through messenger or call and we will work with you by phone.
UPDATE MARCH 31ST, 2020:
DURHAM REGIONAL POLICE HAS CONFIRMED THE ZEN SHOP AS AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS & CLEARANCE TO REMAIN OPEN
At a time when Mental Health issues are at an all time high, The Zen Shop has amended the way they do business to ensure their customers are able to cope by still acquiring their Holistic and Spiritual Essentials.
The Zen Shop has quickly become Oshawa’s favourite Spiritual and Metaphysical Store. The store is aligned with many beautiful jewellery and giftware showcases. However, that is not what customers are seeking amid this Coronavirus Pandemic.
The store’s selection and popularity of Holistic products has skyrocketed in recent weeks. Smudging products, organic teas, essential oils, all natural body and self care items and even crystals are healing alternatives many use in their daily lives; and The Zen Shop is clearly providing it.
“We’ve had to restock our shelves lately, more than usual,” says The Zen Shop’s owner, Sherrill Rees. “Interest in Spirituality and Metaphysics have been on the rise more and more in recent years as people move away from organized religion. They are looking for better ways to connect with the universe, our Mother Earth, themselves and one another. Many people are also looking for healthier alternatives to chemical cleaners and pharmaceuticals.”
White sage has been The Zen Shop’s fastest moving product during the Covid 19 Crisis. Burning sage and other herbs, also known as “smudging” is an ancient spiritual practice. It was established by Indigenous cultures in tribal ceremony. White sage is a natural disinfectant and has many benefits. It can neutralize negative energies and positive ions like bacteria, pollution, dust and mold. “While burning sage may be spiritual practice to some, it may be STa blessing to those with asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions,” says Sherrill. “I have many customers that depend on sage in their daily routine. They depend on me to provide it.”
Sherrill explains “Our products are not available just anywhere. You can’t go to your local supermarket and pick up a smudge stick when you run out. Our customers won’t buy a chemical disinfectant, just because it’s the only alternative. It will only add to their anxiety, having to use it or they will go without. Our essential oils, organics and all natural products are also in high demand.”
“We are experiencing a spike in customers with high levels of anxiety, depression and sleep issues because of the Covid 19 Crisis, including first responders and medical practitioners. We want them to know they aren’t alone. We are focusing on their needs and we are here for them. They can get what they need, when they need it. Removing the ability to acquire these specialty items and loss of spiritual practice will only add to the stress some are feeling during this pandemic. Local social workers, organizations and hospitals are already on overload right now.”
When asked what special precautions The Zen Shop was taking to provide their customers with essentials, Sherrill responded “At the onset of the quarantine, we attempted to close our doors and offer online sales or call in orders. We offered curbside pick up as well as local delivery, but it was not enough. The demand was too high. Customers continued to come to our store. We had to reopen.“
“With the amount of glass fixtures we have in the store, also being a Fine Jewellery and Gift Shop, we already have a heavy cleaning regiment. Floors are bleached daily and counters cleaned often. We now clean counters, doors and debit machine between each customer and transaction. We have hand sanitizer at the front door for customers to use upon entering the store. Staff also wash hands between each customer and transaction. The Zen Shop has a staff of eleven. However, during this time, I will be the only person working in the retail store. I attend work and go home. Customer traffic will also be kept to a minimal (customers could be asked to wait outside until store traffic slows) and the 6’ social distancing is always in effect. Only one person at the register at a time. At this time, we are also kindly asking people to avoid coming to the store to browse. Right now we are trying to meet customers essential needs. It’s been difficult keeping up.”
No contact transactions are also available. You may place your order online, by email or phone. The Zen Shop will pick and pack your order. You can pay via e-transfer or credit card by phone. Payment on their website will be available shortly. You can pick up any order curbside at the store’s front door or they offer FREE local porch delivery within Oshawa on purchases of $50 or more. A fee will apply outside of the Oshawa area.
The Zen Shop is also highly known for their many unique services, classes and events such as spiritual meditations, crystal healing, hypnosis and bellydancing classes. They have the longest running witchcraft classes in the city at The Oshawa School of Witchcraft. They also created and pioneered the area’s unique dance class “Learn The Witch Dance.” The store also provides many Holistic Healing services such as Reiki, Reflexology and numerous types of readings. All group classes, workshops, events and individual sessions were postponed indefinitely, weeks ago. “Our customers are already reeling from the social disconnect. Our community is so strong here at The Zen Shop, it’s like a second family. We have truly authentic facilitators, each of whom have built solid relationships within our community. Our customers are also our friends. We miss each other. That in itself has taken a mental toll,” says Sherrill. Some of The Zen Shop’s staff are offering their services online through email, Skype and Zoom.
When asked what she thinks about those who think maybe she should stay closed, Sherrill explained, “To those who don’t need our products or to cope with daily life right now, I applaud you. Many do though. I want to be of service to anyone who needs us. We don’t choose our circumstances, but we do choose our attitude and our response. I didn’t just open this business to make money. I found purpose by following my passion. I think and feel from my heart. That’s what empaths do. There is an obvious need for what The Zen Shop provides. Helping others isn’t always comfortable. I have a family at home too. Sure, I could collect the government’s assistance for small business; but I’d feel like I was leaving those who need us right now, high and dry, with nowhere to go. I also feel that if I can sustain the business on providing essentials, I can also leave government funds for those who may need it more than I do. The Covid 19 crisis has brought most of the world together for the protection and good of all. I want to do my part too. I hope we see this love continue when we come out of it.”
The Zen Shop is located at 308 Stevenson Rd N, Oshawa and has temporarily reduced their hours. They are adding new items daily to their online store daily to better assist you.
HOURS:
Tuesday & Wednesday
11am – 6pm
Thursday & Friday
11am – 7pm
Saturday
10am – 6pm
Sunday & Monday
CLOSED
