The bright red letters above the blue-colored Hand Store sign reads “Wash Your,” reminding people to stick with their sanitizing routines as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The message greeted shoppers last Friday morning when Hand’s reopened after closing in March. Earlier this year, it appeared the longtime Long Beach Island fixture would be coming to a close. Since 1952, the variety store has operated year ’round at 1300 Long Beach Blvd.