Business booms as shoppers play it safe at local outlets
EAST Geelong Newsagency has become a vital hub where customers can access essential services and maintain a community connection amid the pandemic, its owner says.
Newsagent Elaine Munro said the busy store had seen a rise in newspaper and magazine purchases, highlighting a growing thirst for news about the spread of coronavirus.
The Garden St store has been operated by Ms Munro since 1991 and has an in-store Australia Post branch, a mobile phone repair service and an array of gifts and activities.
Its in-shop coffee is temporarily closed due to tough social distancing measures.
“I think the newsagency has become a really important part of our community during this time,” Ms Munro said.
“We’ve seen people shopping locally as opposed to going further afield and the products they are looking for, like newspapers, are obviously critical at this time.”
While Ms Munro acknowledged the retail climate was tough, she said the post office aspect of the business was booming as people purchased office supplies, packaging and ordered goods online.
But Ms Munro said she was overwhelmed by the genuine concern and care that all her customers displayed.
“I have been really humbled by the way people are acting and there really is a human side that has resonated with me,” she said. “People have a new-found respect for one another and a genuine concern for one another — and if nothing else we can come out of this a better community, then that is a positive.”