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Coronavirus Qld: How businesses are adapting, how you can help

Queensland small businesses are being forced to rapidly adapt in an unprecedented fight for survival, and some of their strategies are paying dividends. HOW TO SUPPORT THEM

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QUEENSLANDERS are being urged to embrace small businesses bearing the brunt of dire economic times during the coronavirus outbreak.

Many restaurants and pubs are upping their focus on delivery, takeaway and ready-to-cook meal packs, while independent bakeries, fruit shops, delis and local grocery stores consider drastic measures to limit direct contact with customers.

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Some are launching concierge services, turning their car parks into makeshift drive-throughs, while others are removing seating and becoming takeaway-only operations.

Other small businesses have been overwhelmed with local support, with one butcher shop on Brisbane's southside claiming they're currently busier than during the annual Christmas rush.

It comes as authorities stress the importance of social distancing and self-isolation to limit the spread of COVID-19, with many restaurants and cafes reporting steep declines in foot traffic.

Queensland University of Technology's Dr Gary Mortimer from the School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations.
Queensland University of Technology's Dr Gary Mortimer from the School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations.

QUT retail expert Gary Mortimer said small businesses needed to be agile to move with consumer demand.

“Small business have the most to lose from any form of self-isolating measures,” Dr Mortimer said.

“It is incumbent on small business to step up and change the way they do business.”

But he said many smaller operators had the most flexibility when it came to overhauling their business.

“Many small businesses may only employ one or two casuals, which means if sales fall casuals have the most to lose,” Dr Mortimer said.

Restaurants, pubs and cafes across Brisbane have told The Courier-Mail they have seen foot traffic fall dramatically.

It's led dozens of establishments to announce measures to attract patrons, with some high-end restaurants launching delivery and takeaway options for the first time.

But Dr Mortimer said independent food and grocery operators across Brisbane were faring better as consumers focus on essential items.

Independent butcher shop Maestro Meats, in Annerley, reported that it was being flooded with more customers than during the regular pre-Christmas rush.

Staff member Vanda Mura at Brewbakers Albion, which is considering turning its parking into a drive-thru. Picture: Richard Walker/AAP
Staff member Vanda Mura at Brewbakers Albion, which is considering turning its parking into a drive-thru. Picture: Richard Walker/AAP

Albion-based bakery Brewbakers, which has been serving fresh bread for 27 years, was considering doing deliveries turning its parking lot into a drive-through.

Owner Caroline Cotton said demand for fresh bread this week had been “insane,” but she was still mindful of the situation changing.

“This week has been so busy, we haven't had time to consider other options,” owner Caroline Cotton said.

“You could tell (this week) that people were daunted.”

Ms Cotton said it was vital that residents continue to support independent local businesses.

“We are always hoping that people rally around small business, but whether or not (having a drive-through) will make any difference, I can't tell,” she said.

“I've not seen anything like this in my life.”

TIPS TO HELP OUR SMALL BUSINESSES

1. Call bakeries, butcher shops and other food stores ahead to check supplies and put in a booking.

2. Call small businesses, restaurants and cafes and ask if they're doing delivery, 'to-car' or other options which limit contact

3. Pre-book your morning coffee

4. See if your favourite restaurant is on apps like Menulog and UberEats, which are offering no-touch delivery options

5. Respect other customers who are trying to be social distant, and allow the elderly and disabled to skip the queue

6. Enquire about precautions being taken by your hairdresser, barber, beautician, physios or massage therapist

7. Don't go if you're feeling unwell at all

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/business/coronavirus-qld-how-businesses-are-adapting-how-you-can-help/news-story/ff610f5a7306afce9326a98188797cce