Shop owners must rally together in face of coronavirus
People were left scratching their heads when this beautiful coastal shopping village, lined with cafes and boutiques, was reduced to a ghost town earlier this year. But business owners are now in the fight of their lives as the effects of coronavirus intensify.
Redlands Coast
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BUSINESSES owners of a “ghost town” coastal shopping village have been dealt yet another blow as the effects of coronavirus bear down on them.
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Businesses in picturesque Cleveland shopping village were just months ago searching for support to boost their dwindling customer bases, however lockdowns imposed as a result of the fatal virus have pushed even more shoppers away.
Division 2 councillor Peter Mitchell said there “would be some casualties”.
“My heart goes out to them, they’re in a fight.
“It’s a very anxious time.
“Small business is never for the faint hearted and holy Dooley it’s testament to that.”
However he said a walk down the main shopping strip of Bloomfield St yesterday showed business owners were rising to the challenge.
“They were looking for action, from others and from themselves.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going and hey, it’s just gotten tougher.”
Cr Mitchell said he had reached out to chambers of commerce and other groups to rally support for the local businesses, saying there had never been a more crucial time for local businesses to support each another and speak up about their challenges.
He said once the coronavirus crisis had passed, there would be opportunities for businesses and government to seize.
“The businesses that have been able to act quickly or go into a strong hibernation... they’re going to reap those rewards (once the crisis is over).
However he said warned the shopping hub “is not going to look the same”.
Do Drop In Deli owner Maria Mu said her business was simply treading water, having now been affected by a quiet location and government restrictions on cafes.
“We’re in limbo,” she said.
“You just have to go day by day.”
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