25/03/2020
*** An Update from Grazia on COVID-19 ***
To Our Grazia Family,
Being a good neighbor is more important than ever in these challenging times. Here in Italy, where the devastation of this pandemic has been severely felt we have learned that we must all do our part and stay strong together. Similar to the US, Italy has mandated that all-nonessential factories shut for the foreseeable future in an attempt to slow and contain the spread of Covid-19.
I remain in our Perugia apartment with my husband and children while my father, Ubaldo is safe in his country house. His housekeeper comes twice a week to deliver meals and we speak a few times a day to keep him from feeling isolated. As you know, keeping my father from his beloved factory is a nearly impossible task. This is the first time he can remember the factory being closed and he believes that Grazia will survive the mandated closure as it has the other world crisis it has faced over its 550+ year history. It was an emotional day for us as we stopped production, locked the Grazia factory gates and wished the best to our employees.
Many of our fellow craftsmen and small factory owners are worried that this pandemic will force small family owned businesses like ours to close permanently. We are doing our best to stay positive and get through this. As you know we rely on tourism and a healthy US economy to drive sales and the past few years have not been particularly good. Ubaldo and I encourage you to support small firms such as ours during this most difficult time because these products represent the heart and soul of Italy.
We want to thank you and express how much your emails inquiring about our well-being has helped us remain positive. We are grateful for the recent orders and appreciate that even with these uncertain times you are still willing to spend your hard-earned dollars with us. Please consider placing an order if you are looking to send someone something special or for something you would like to add to your collection. Refer to our site www.ubaldograzia.com to see our designs and shapes or send me a photo of the piece you are trying to match or coordinate. I am working from home and check emails daily ([email protected]), I know the inventory and I will respond quickly.
While you may have to postpone your trip to Italy, we are always here for you. Until then we wish the best for you and your family and friends during this uncertain time.
Stay well,
Ubaldo and Chiara Grazia
