SHOPPING LOCAL IS THE KEY TO RECOVERY
Doorstep support vital for survival
Strath businesses need the support of local residents if they are to survive the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic now more than ever.
That’s the message from Crieff Succeeds manager David McCann.
As lockdown measures begin to ease, businesses are tentatively beginning to open their doors again, although for many the way of operating will be very different for many months to come.
Shops, cafes, restaurants, repair garages and many more are having to adapt in order to still be able to offer their services while keeping customers safe.
For others, such as decorators and dentists, it will be a while longer before they can get
back to work.
And Mr McCann, who heads up the Strath capital’s business support organisation, said time will tell whether all local outlets will be able to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
He told the Herald:“I can’t really overstate the difficulties and pressures our local businesses have and are facing during this pandemic.
“Some have been able to react and adapt, moving to online or phonebased orders and new delivery services, which has also provided support to those vulnerable members in our community.
“Other businesses of course have not been in a position to do this due to the nature of the services they provide.
“Time will tell how great the impact has been on all these businesses and how they will recover.”
The area’s economic recovery will rely greatly on residents making use of the services and shops on their doorstep.
Mr McCann added:“It can be said, however, that the recovery of our town is everyone’s business, and that our businesses are a massive part of our town. They are our economic bedrock, our news-givers, our gossips, our town guardians, our providers, our friends, and our neighbours and my hope is that the local community will support their local businesses now and most importantly in the future .
“‘Shop and visit local’would be my heartfelt plea’.”