Showing we mean business

THESE past six weeks have been incredibly trying on the local economy.

Some businesses have been forced into hibernation, others have moved to online sales and some have closed for the foreseeable future and laid off staff.

Others, however, were swift to change their game plans — moving to takeaway or home deliveries and concocting new ways to see out the COVID-19 storm.

In these pages in recent weeks, we’ve covered such local businesses that are adapting in fast-changing times; offering drive-through services, pick-ups and even using the local taxi service to bring their goods to Townsville customers.

And it’s so encouraging to see just how efficiently local businesses are adapting to new rules and changes week to week, such as cafes now offering picnic hampers and ready-to-go boxes with the news picnics will be allowed come Saturday.

That’s why it’s such good news that Townsville’s EMU Sportswear is another thinking outside the box, looking to the overseas markets to find a way to grow.

Like many businesses, sales took an immediate hit as soon as COVID-19 lockdowns were in effect but the fact it used the opportunity to upskill its staff and think of ways to diversify is testament to the city’s tenacity.

Thanks to some serious knuckling down during the lockdown, the local team is ready to start producing American football, baseball and ice hockey kits.

“It won’t happen overnight, we’ve got to work hard,” managing director John Short said.

“Australians are known for sport and we are good at what we do so we should be able to take that to the world.”

And like so many other North Queensland businesses, EMU Sportswear will likely bounce back better and smarter than ever — and the community will be there to support them in return.

If you have a positive business story to share, let us know via the Townsville Bulletin Facebook page or email mediarelease@townsvillebulletin.com.au