Central Geelong Get Back to Business – Adapting to the New Normal
Central Geelong is slowly welcoming customers back to its diverse range of restaurants and cafes. Retail shops, service businesses, and retail shops are also being reopened. In the weeks to come, more businesses will be opening their doors eager to reconnect with customers. Returning to normalcy for many local businesses is not easy. Not only must they adapt to new health and safety regulations, but also keep their business running smoothly in the post-pandemic environment.
This article will explore how Central Geelong businesses are getting back in business, how the customers can adapt to these changes and why it is important to support local.
Central Geelong Get Back to Business
Navigating the New Normal
Reopening a business presents many challenges. Businesses are now faced with new demands regarding social distance, gathering limits and cleaning protocols. This makes running a company more complicated than ever. Reopening a business that has been closed for several months can be a daunting task as owners try to understand the new restrictions.
Central Geelong’s businesses, however, are adapting to the new guidelines and, in many cases, adopting them as their new norm. It includes everything from limited capacity for customers, strict hygiene practices, to physical barriers, signs, and digital tools that facilitate contact tracking. Customers will need to learn to adapt to new dining and shopping experiences. They should also be aware of safety protocols and respect social distance rules.
Retail Adjustments in Central Geelong
Central Geelong has seen the reopening of many stores, including national chains as well as independent operators. Each store adapted in its own way to meet the new safety regulations. The changes may be small, but all are designed to provide a comfortable and safe experience for staff and customers.
Geelong Dance & Fairywear Supplies on Little Malop Street has, for example, increased its opening times to manage the customer flow, while still offering free delivery and phone orders. They are now open from Thursday to Saturday, 10am-12pm. The store continues to offer a variety of dancewear and costume options for the community as well as convenient online services.
Gifts for the Geek, known for its selection of graphic novels and vinyl records and comics, closed their physical store March 31. They temporarily relocated at 105 Little Malop Central. The store is now open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4:00pm. They welcome customers with their new offerings and online services.
Maternal Instinct is a Geelong maternity clothing store and baby shop on Moorabool Street that has served customers online during the period of restrictions. They are now open for business and offer the largest selection of maternity clothing and baby essentials in Geelong.
In May, Eddy Elias Menswear – a local destination of tailored men’s clothing – reopened with new opening hours in response to customer demand. They remain a top-notch store for high-end clothing for men and personal service. Customers are encouraged to visit their website to find out the most recent information on opening hours.
Reopening of Restaurants and Cafés
Central Geelong’s hospitality industry is also adapting rapidly as restrictions on dine in services are gradually removed. Many local cafes and restaurants will reopen to the public on June 1 with stricter hygiene standards and new government guidelines.
Restaurants and cafes will have to make a big change. It’s not just about social distance. Staff must undergo extra training, tables have to be separated, and cleaning procedures have to be intensified. The customers will also see changes such as an increased emphasis on reservations, and a need to trace contact information. Customers will need to book ahead, provide contact information, and adhere to any safety measures.
Mavs Greek restaurant, a local favourite, is opening on 1 June with limited seating. Mavs encourages customers to reserve their tables in advance. There will be two seating times available: from 5pm until 6.50pm, and from 7pm till late. Mavs offers takeaway and delivery for those who would prefer to dine in at home.
From June 1, Pistol Pete’s food n blues will reopen in Little Malop Street with limited seating for dine-in. To reserve a table, customers can call the restaurant to book. The restaurant will follow all safety guidelines and adhere to all bookings.
Dine-in will be available at Lipari Espresso Bar on Union Street starting June 1st, 5pm. The restaurant is accepting reservations for up to four guests and has introduced staggered seating on Saturdays and Fridays. Dine-in options will be similar to takeaway items, but customers must be on time to ensure smooth transitions.
Confident Business People Shaking Hands
The Importance Of Supporting Local
It’s more important than ever to support local business. Many businesses were faced with unprecedented challenges during the peak of the pandemic. These included closures and drastic drops in customer traffic. By shopping, dining and spending locally, consumers can ensure that these businesses survive and stimulate the local economies.
It’s a win-win situation to buy from local businesses. You keep money in the local community, support local employment and help maintain the unique character of Central Geelong. Local businesses are more than just places to buy goods and services. They are also integral to the vibrancy of the region. By supporting them, you are investing in the area where you live, play, and work.
Local businesses also provide better customer service, because they are more concerned about their customers and communities. Small business owners, unlike large chains that are impersonal, take the time get to know their clients, and offer personalized services or tailored advise. Supporting small businesses will also strengthen the community’s bonds.
You can also reduce your carbon footprint by shopping locally. Local businesses are more likely to buy their products from local suppliers, resulting in less transport and less environmental impact. Shopping and dining close to home reduces pollution, travel time, and saves money.
Free Parking for Local Businesses
In order to support local businesses in the recovery phase, City Greater Geelong offers free on- and off street parking for casual use until June 30 2020. This initiative is designed to help customers visit local businesses and enjoy a meal or shopping without having to worry about parking fees. This initiative encourages customers to spend more time in Central Geelong, and to support their favorite spots.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery
Central Geelong will recover, but it may take some time before businesses and customers adjust to the new guidelines. Every step towards reopening is not only a commitment to the strength and resilience of the local community, but also a return of normalcy.
Both businesses and their customers must continue to work together in order to make the transition as smooth as it can be. We can ensure that Central Geelong businesses not only survive, but thrive, by respecting new regulations, remaining patient and embracing changes.
Geelong’s small businesses are going to need some time to adjust to the changes. But with support and cooperation, they will continue to add color, energy and unique offerings to our streets.
Mixed Group Around Table in Business Meeting
In conclusion: Your support is important
Central Geelong is adjusting to the new norm, so every purchase made locally, every visit to a café, and every restaurant reservation are important. It’s not just about showing your appreciation for Geelong’s unique places, but also investing in the future. As more restaurants and businesses open, Central Geelong will be a great place to dine, shop and explore.
You’re not just helping local businesses, but also adding to the diversity and vibrancy of our community. Together, we can continue to grow and recover Geelong’s economic system.
