By Raquel Mustillo
DESPITE not recording a COVID case during the pandemic, Millicent businesses snapped shut during the state’s seven-day lockdown before re-emerging on Wednesday morning.
Residents swarmed back into the town’s central business district post-lockdown as retail stores and other businesses opened.
Bargain Market was among the handful of businesses that remained open during the lockdown, but owner John Boom said trade had decreased to approximately one sixth during the weeklong period.
“Sales were only a fraction of what it normally is so we were just making pennies, but we were open for connivence sake for the locals,” Mr Boom said.
“It was obviously not financially worthwhile.
“But it has not just affected businesses during the lockdown, if affects businesses now because people are still hesitant to come out.”
Mr Boom said products purchased by customers during the lockdown included art and craft supplies, personal care items, cleaning products and masks.
“We sold a couple of blankets because people weren’t prepared for the lockdown and it was very cold,” he said.
“A lot of people bought craft supplies like diamond dots and jigsaws to keep their kids entertained as well as themselves.
“A jigsaw puzzle can keep you occupied for a long time, the same with the art supplies, so while they might not seem essential to some people, for other people they are essential.”
While several eateries remained open for takeaway only, Two Spoons Coffee House closed its doors and welcomed back customers on Wednesday morning.
“We could open for takeaway, but I thought that coming up the street to get a latte wasn’t essential and as a business owner, I didn’t want to do it,” Two Spoons Coffee House owner Haylie Callow said.
“I did feel guilty because there were customers who missed us, but I would rather keep my customers safe because you don’t know who could come through and spread the virus.
“I was lucky that I got one of the grants from the government, which doesn’t cover the loss but it definitely helps and I am thankful for that.”
After announcing the lockdown, the State Government said small and medium-sized businesses that have suffered significant loss of income or were forced to close could apply for cash grants of up to $3000.
Millicent Business Community Association chair Lee Morgan encouraged businesses across the region to apply for the grants to help cover ongoing operating costs.
“It’s a very simple process and we have already had reports that businesses have received it,” he said.
“There has been millions allocated toward the program and everyone who is able to should at least put in an application.”
Millicent retailer Denton’s Sportspower is among the beneficiaries of the grant, with Donna and Chris Denton saying would help the business cover losses incurred as a result of the seven day closure.
“We were able to use the grant and the application process was very easy, it took us probably two minutes to fill out,” she said.
“We looked at whether we could move online and we had a couple of click and collect orders, but we were genuinely closed because that’s what retail did.
“I think we have been very lucky so far because that’s the first real lockdown we had and straight away on Wednesday we have had locals come back in here which is great.”
Visit www.treasury.sa.gov.au/Growing-South-Australia/COVID-19 for more information on the business grant program, including eligibility criteria.
