Trader confidence returning at Burwood One, Vermont South centres
For traders at two Whitehorse shopping centre, it’s all about Monday. With the State Government set to announce some easing of restrictions, it’s hoped the tills will start ticking over again.
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Traders at two popular Whitehorse shopping centres are hoping for a boost in business from Monday, with many having fought to keep as many staff on as possible.
The Vermont South and Burwood One shopping centres have been virtual ghost towns since lockdown restrictions were introduced.
Business had picked up somewhat when the Whitehorse Leader visited both centres on Wednesday afternoon.
Supermarkets, pharmacies and fresh produce businesses were among the essential services that remained open, with florists and hair salons also trading.
At Hair Express, employee Dulika Gunawardame said some practices at the salon had changed but no staff were laid off.
“We didn’t stop for covid but we did have a little bit of a drop off with people staying at home,” she said.
The salon has been operating by appointment only and closing about 3.30pm or 4pm most days, Ms Gunawardame said.
“It looks like it’s starting to pick up again but it’s hard to say when things will go back to normal,” she said.
“We’re getting there but Monday was very quiet again, although the rain probably kept people away.”
Fashion businesses have been feeling the pinch with parties and social engagements called off, Niche Boutique’s Basai Iwan said.
The sole trader has been forced to stop processing deliveries while a lack of foot traffic has hurt sales, too.
“We’ve been opening fewer hours — people don’t have parties to go to so they postpone buying clothing,” Ms Iwan said.
Meanwhile, at Burwood One, hospitality businesses’ eat-in furniture remains roped off with traders still restricted to take away only.
A staff member at Bon Bons Bakery, who asked not to be named, said traders had been trying to remain positive.
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“I have a feeling that it’s getting better but everyone’s waiting for (May 11) and to see what the State Government’s new policy will be,” she said.
Photo Barn owner Ken Salmon said he had applied for the JobKeeper allowance for staff he’d been forced to stand down.
He said he had been forced to “reduce trading hours significantly” from noon to 6pm.
“So most staff are at home but interestingly there seems to have been a real change this week with people coming out again,” Mr Salmon said.