Reduced foot traffic, staff shortages and reduced revenue are common themes in the stories of local businesses around Kingborough during the COVID outbreak in January and February, following the opening of the State border in late 2021.
The Kingborough Chronicle has been hearing from local small businesses from various retail, hospitality and health sectors regarding their recent experiences.
Numerous small businesses owners have said the State government’s grant process was too onerous, and hence too expensive, to recoup the $1000 or $2000 grant offered.
Other small business owners said although revenue had reduced substantially, it was not enough to qualify for the grant.
Kate Banks-Gorton, owner of Breadd bakery and cafe opened her Kingston store in 2008, following the success of her first bakery which opened in Murray Street, Hobart, in 2001.
Kate said the recent COVID outbreak had resulted in observable changes in the way people shop.
“I’d like to thank our customers for continuing to come in,” said Kate.
“It’s definitely visible that there are fewer people who come in and sit down and have a coffee with friends.
“Our core product is Breadd.
“So now many of our core customers are just buying the bread an taking it home.
“All the local businesses struggle when people don’t come.
“We’ve had to shorten trading hours and are reducing staff when its quiet.”
Kate said people were selecting venues to meet with friends based on availability of outdoor dining.
“Businesses that have an outdoor area are probably doing better,” commented Kate.
Manager of Kingdom Coffee cafe in Kingston, Peko Meh, reported a similar experience.
“Our team have poured our heart and soul into this social enterprise cafe, aiming to bless the community with its profit,” Peko commented.
“However, with the current covid situation, it couldn’t even cover our wages and operational expenses.
“It breaks our heart to see food go to waste due to the low foot traffic these days.
“We know many are doing it tough, so we have a little shortbread to encourage everyone in our community, we’re in this together, you can make a difference by supporting local.”
Round two of the Tasmanian Government’s COVID-19 Business Impact Support Program is due to open at 2pm on Tuesday, February 15.
