Community shows support for local businesses who went back to the drawing board during lockdown.
It’s been anything but an ordinary summer in Canberra. But we’re getting used to saying those words after three challenging holiday periods.
For businesses, many felt a higher than usual drop in customers over the summer holiday period, but also loved by the loyalty and support shown from their regular customers.
Businesses, however, have shown their ability to adapt and innovate.
During lockdown, Espresso Room Woden was supported by their regular customers, and saw a shift in sales towards retail.
“During the lockdown, we did lots of takeaways, and lots of retail. People came to us to buy retail because we have a large selection which is very popular,” Trung said of their sales of popular items, like coffee beans.
Espresso Room Woden expressed appreciation for their loyal regulars who helped to support the business through lockdown, and said staff felt loved when customers brought them in home-baked treats for Christmas.
Espresso Room Woden manager Trung Le.
Gungahlin’s Sunday in Canberra café owner and chef Anj Sulit said that business was up and down through lockdown.
To change with the circumstances, Anj altered the sit-down café menu to be more take-away friendly.
Sunday in Canberra saw their regular customers ordering their ‘What’s in the box’ grazing boxes regularly to support the business.
“We live on our regular customers, and we did see them step up. They would order boxes, even if they didn’t have an occasion. Just to help support and keep us afloat. They would keep asking us how we were doing, mentally as well, so we are really appreciative of that,” Anj said.
Sunday in Canberra also saw their regular customers coming in daily to buy coffees, saying it made a huge difference.
“Just one person coming in and buying one coffee every day is such a big help. We do appreciate that, and their presence in general. It’s a smiling face that you always recognise.
“It’s really helpful, especially for a small business, to establish that relationship with your regulars. It makes a lot of difference. And at the end of the day, they’re the ones who keep us alive, so we value that relationship.”
The Sunday in Canberra team.
