Wisconsin Spice Retailer Won't Sell In-Store Until COVID-19 Hospitalization Rates Go Down

WISCONSIN — Wauwatosa-based spice retailer Penzeys Spices closed its stores to indoor shopping until Wisconsin's COVID-19 hospitalization rates go down, the retailer announced Monday.

"We've closed our stores to in-store shopping until hospitals and intensive care units see a return to more manageable occupancy rates," owner Bill Penzey said in a statement. He thanked his customers for supporting the shift to pickup orders.

The owner encouraged people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and to get a booster when eligible.

Wisconsin set a record for the hospitalization of coronavirus patients: 1,903 COVID-19 patients occupied state hospital beds Monday, Wisconsin Hospital Association data showed.

The retailer also offered customers a deal: Buy a gift box, and get a second one free. Shoppers can take advantage of the offer online.

The spice retailer has 53 locations across the country, with 12 in Wisconsin, including Brookfield, Greenfield, Milwaukee and Wauwatosa.

Some 3,883 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Wisconsin Sunday, Wisconsin Department of Health Services data showed. The seven-day average for new cases in the state was 5,392 new cases per day.

Wisconsin hit another coronavirus milestone on Saturday, with 1,005,150 total cases since the pandemic emerged in the U.S. in March 2020.