Coronavirus Adelaide: Jetty Rd Glenelg traders report increase during pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has made it tough for business but Glenelg traders say Jetty Road is flourishing. Find out how the strip has bucked the trend.
West & Beaches
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Traders are reporting it has been “like the good old days” at Glenelg in recent months, with more people choosing to support local traders during the coronavirus pandemic.
They say this, combined with the strip being outdoors, mild winter’s days and people not being able to travel far, had sent shoppers flocking to the seaside precinct.
Jetty Road Mainstreet Committee chairman Con Maios said many traders had reported better June and July sales compared to the same time last year.
“Traders are doing extremely well,” Mr Maios said.
“The retailers I have spoken to are actually doing better than last winter.”
He said some retail stores that were locally owned had stayed open throughout the pandemic and had performed really well.
“It was always busy around here,” Mr Maios said.
He attributed this on people preferring to visit an outdoor shopping precinct rather than an indoor centre, mild winter’s days and a supportive local community.
Mr Maios, who is also on the Property Council Mainstreet and Retail Committee, said also that people who would normally travel at this time of the year were forced to stay locally.
“You can’t go overseas, you can’t go interstate so people thought they would come here,” he said.
“They come from the other side of town for an outing.
“People are positive, people are banding together and are more optimistic.”
Bay Junction Florist owner Amanda Sim said she had been thrilled at the amount of foot traffic on Jetty Road throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“I just love seeing the foot traffic, that to me benefits everybody because there’s more people walking past your door, not just my business but every business,” Ms Sim said.
“It feels like the good old days.”
She felt because of COVID, people were wanting to shop and stay in their community hub.
Denim + Cloth area manager Sarah Waldron said the clothing store, which also has outlets at Norwood and Hyde Park, had stayed open throughout the pandemic.
“It’s actually been really good (at Glenelg) and there has been a lot of supportive, loyal customers,” she said.
“We’re very, very grateful to the community.”
She said business was so good, they were in the process of hiring new staff.
Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said Glenelg was benefiting from visitors wanting to be in the open air, rather than in the confines of a shopping centre.
“The majority of Jetty Road traders haven’t reported a downturn, and I know they are so thankful to the community who has continued to support them during this time,” she said.
“We’ve been blessed with some beautiful weather this winter and by a wonderful community who has chosen to shop local and support our traders.”