A lot of the small shops all over Wuhan have “help wanted” signs. Hair stylists, clothing stores, small restaurants. Simultaneously, having many conversations about how it is extremely difficult to find work here. What gives? Was there some sort of employee subsidy credit that small businesses can try to game by hiring someone part-time? The possibilities…

So I spent an afternoon talking to shop owners – most said something like “well, it’d be nice to have some extra help during the busy hours” even though “business has of late has been so-so.” One answer that intrigued: “We have the help wanted sign in the window because it looks good.”

Hm?

“Well, people see it and they think you’re doing a lot of business. They’re more likely to come in.”