SOME BUSINESSES ARE THRIVING AMID VIRUS
Although there were quite a few businesses still shuttered late Thursday morning, the ones that were open were thriving, deeply grateful for the unending local support they have been receiving.
Ann Kilkenny, busy in the back office—the nerve center—of the Mendocino Book Company, who is always ready for the shoe to drop, says it hasn’t.
They had a relatively good Christmas—not as good as last year, but almost—with a great deal of online ordering in addition to customers buying in the shop.
“The whole year has not been that much off considering we were closed for over two months; people are trying to shop locally, you can feel the momentum. We feel very well supported by the community; they still want us to be here and I am grateful for that. Right now, we are OK.”
Cody Sierra, an employee of Sword and Board on School Street, says that business is doing well.
“People of the county have been very generous with their patronage; they care about the local community and have been very supportive during these difficult times.”
With more time spend indoors, people have been attracted to their wares that include hobbies that allow for the deeper exploration of creativity such as imaginative miniature games for role playing, strategic, imaginative table top games, collectible items such as Pokémon and fantasy outlets such as comic books.
At Mendocino Bounty, with a great deal of local support, holiday sales were good. And more recently, people are out and about buying gifts for birthdays, anniversaries.
“Things are OK,” says Karen Record.
Natesha Cooper, the manager at Hometown Store Kitchen and Gifts, says they had lots of customers for Christmas and business has been good.
“We stayed busy; people are shopping locally and they are happy we are open. Even with our 10-customer limit, mask wearing and waiting in line, customers were patient and kind. Everyone worked together.”
Cindi Winter, manager and buyer for Mendocino Barkery, a dog and cat specialty store, says they have been open the entire time as an essential business, supplying dog and cat people with their food and essential products.
“It was a bit slow at beginning but our LOYAL customers and friends have helped keep us in business.
And we are doing very well.”
Matt Talbert owner of the newly, but-not-completely, opened Left Coast Seafood & Marketplace, says business has been great.
“We have had a wonderful community response.”
They offer full dining service in their outdoor patio, with outdoor heating, seating up to 24 guests and do carry out and delivery.
They will soon been transitioning from Doordash to Fort Bragg’s Food Runners, that will be providing a more economical option for restaurant owners.
Will Gonzalez at W/E flowers says his business has been great in both his Ukiah and Willits stores.
“People have not been able to visit families or express their condolences during times of separation and loss so they have reached out to us.
“We have been able to keep our heads above water, pay our bills and order materials for the following week.”
Although having had to close for 2 ½ months is a blow slow to recover from and although there were shipping delays, Shannon Riley, owner Shoefly & Sox, says they had a fantastic December and holiday season.
“Every year we hear customers talk about shopping locally but this year, more than any other, they actually did it. People went out of their way to spend their dollars in local stores and not only that, they were happy and appreciative and generous and kind. We have had the best customers and one of our best seasons ever. To experience that during the pandemic was truly remarkable. We are super grateful to the community; we are optimistic about the upcoming seasons.”