MILLICENT fashion retailer Lisa McCourt is pleased to be back at her George Street shop after a five-week closure prompted by concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms McCourts Heaven on a Hanger store has enjoyed a good level of customers since reopening on May 8.
“It is good to be back as I missed regular contact with my customers,” Ms McCourt said.
“I am currently open part-time six days of the week and I am also available by appointment.”
Ms McCourt took over the business from Babs Braham in December 2004 and draws clientele from near and far.
“Millicent is a service town and many of my customers come here for various reasons,” she said.
“They might be having work done on their cars or having some minor surgery at Millicent Hospital.
“While in Millicent, they might call into Heaven on a Hanger.
“I think that people are now happy to be out and about.
“They are needing a bit of retail therapy.
“They might only buy something like a scarf but it makes them feel better.”
Ms McCourt said number of cancellations related to COVID-19 has decreased demand in a key area of her business.
“People buy outfits for special occasions like weddings and special birthday celebrations but these are not currently being held,” she said.
“They will not be able to go to the Millicent Cup race meeting this year.
“There is no sport at the moment and so people are not shopping for coats.
“On the other hand, people are staying at home more and I have noticed an increase in demand for casual wear and leisure wear.”
There are a number of COVID-19 protocols currently at Ms McCourt’s shop including the availability of hand sanitiser at the front door and social distancing measures.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Ms McCourt to cancel overseas travel plans for September.
“I was heading to Italy to visit my father’s family,” she said.
“He died 25 years ago and I had lost touch with my relatives over there.
“They live in the north of Italy and this was one of the areas of the world which was the first to be hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have checked with my relatives in Italy and they are okay.”
Ms McCourt said Millicent residents still need to be cautious prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, businesses in Millicent including Jaffle King. Wattle Range Trading and McCourts Garden Centre have also reopened.
The Millicent Men’s Shed reopened a week ago while seven members of the Millicent sub-branch of the RSL met again after an enforced furlough on Friday night.
They gathered at the Millicent RSL, but the consumption of alcohol was not permitted.
Tours of the Tantanoola Cave have also resumed.
