THE manager of a Millicent hardware shop is grateful the business was deemed by the Federal Government to be essential at the height of the COVID-19 virus.
Banner Mitre 10 manager Aaron McPherson said there had been strong trading figures recorded over the past three months at the Kentish Place store.
However, Mr McPherson said he was well aware of the adverse impact of COVID-19 on other areas of the business community.
“We understand what compulsory closures have meant for the hospitality sector and we feel for them,” Mr McPherson said.
“There has been a period of no sport and restricted travel.
“People have been staying at home.
“They have been renovating and working their gardens and have been coming here.
“There has been a great demand for paint as well as many other home improvements items.
“People have been asking for methylated spirits, dust masks and cleaning products.
“They have been hard to source and we have been buying them when we can.
“Regarding our trade customers, we have sold plenty of gyprock, timber and sleepers.”
Although the store has not increased its trading hours, Mr McPherson has rostered staff on to extra shifts.
“The core staff have been tremendous and acted in a professional manner.”
With the easing of some of the COVID-19 restrictions, Mr McPherson said the trade of the store had started to slow.
“I have noticed that our customers are becoming more relaxed,” he said.
“Our customers have been understanding during this time.”
It is almost business-asusual at Banner Mitre 10 as its 600 square metre floor space means the store can accommodate up to 100 customers.
The use of hand sanitiser and social distancing measures apply.
One of the recent callers to the store was Rocky Camp livestock contractor John Jolley.
When asked if he was a regular customer, Mr Jolley jokingly said he seemed to be in the store every second day.
