Varying impacts of virus on business
WHILE some Toowoomba businesses have had to adapt to changing conditions caused by COVID-19, for many it’s work as usual.
Virus concerns have caused havoc at the city’s supermarkets but have had a varying impact on other businesses.
Clothing store owner Anna Sillett, who runs Ivy Designer Collections on Margaret St, said she had seen a “significant” change in customer numbers this week.
“At the moment, there has been a big change, obviously because of the coronavirus,” she said.
“We have had less foot traffic, but our online store has also been quieter than usual.
“I guess the disposable income isn’t as disposable right now and, with everyone panic buying at the supermarkets, many are battening down the hatches.”
These changes come as Ms Sillett prepares to move her store to Ruthven St.
“I’m expecting it to get worse before it gets better,”
she said.
“There is a lot of uncertainty, so it’s hard to plan.”
Next door at Bou’s For Men, barber Addison Manning was busy working on Sean McMeekin’s new style.
“I’ve found it no quieter than it would be any other year,” Mr Manning said.
“There are patches, but we are still serving the same
numbers.
“I guess we try to not think of it too much, just sterilise your gear more and wash your hands after every haircut, which we do anyway.
“It’s best to be conscious but not over think it.”
A few streets over, Ortem cafe owner Luci Burke reported similar instances.
“We had a really good
weekend, which we smashed out of the ballpark,” Ms Burke said.
“I think people know we are putting in place all of our great cleaning strategies and keeping up with the sanitising and they are still coming in. I hope we don’t have much change, but right now we’re just keeping it calm and still running as usual.”