Shops, salons ready to throw open the doors

Southland businesses are excited about reopening today, but they are under no illusions about the tough times that lie ahead.

Retailers, restaurants and hairdressers are among those reopening under the Covid-19 alert level 2 restrictions, but must adhere to social distancing and hygiene requirements.

Other office-based businesses were also having workers return, but some would continue to work from home in the interim.

Southland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Neil McAra said some retailers would have downsized by laying off staff and giving others fewer hours.

Retailers had to expect lower revenue in the short term as fewer people would be venturing out to the shops, he said.

Grey Power Southland office manager Stephnie de Ruyter also indicated the elderly wouldn’t be rushing to the shops, though many were keen for a haircut.

‘‘The one clear message I have heard is they won’t be rushing out under level 2,’’ she said.

‘‘They will see what happens in the next couple of weeks and see if the [Covid-19 case numbers] stay stable.’’

McAra said customers would need to show patience as the shopping and dining experiences would be different.

Southland retailers needed to reopen to start generating profit and it was to their advantage that locals were traditionally their main customers – unlike in areas such as Queenstown that were reliant on tourists.

Doug Grant, the owner of Paper Plus in Gore and a member of the GoRetail group, said the feeling in the retail community was one of positivity but with the knowledge that hard times may be ahead.

‘‘We are just chomping at the bit. The shops are gearing up to reopen again – it feels like Christmas,’’ he said. the Neighbouring Retail Group in Invercargill’s CBD, said he was ecstatic to get back into trading.

‘‘With the support of locals we should be able to trade through . . . but it’s definitely going to be very tough. And we are coming into winter, which isn’t normally a strong trading period for retail.’’

Fokkens said he had retained his four staff members but knew of other CBD businesses that would be giving staff reduced hours.

Doug Grant, who owns Gore’s Paper Plus store, says the town is excited to open its shops today: ‘‘It feels like Christmas.’’ ROBYN EDIE/STUFF

KAVINDA HERATH/ STUFF Jhoan Andres Bedoya Gomez, of Georgetown Barbers, takes an opportunity to cut the hair of his co-worker Te Arai Elton Hakopa before they get busy with customers. World Health & Fitness gym owner Sid Cumming cleans equipment in preparation for today’s reopening. KAVINDA HERATH/STUFF