Central Geelong has not been immune to the challenges posed by COVID-19. However, the businesses of this vibrant region have displayed remarkable innovation and resilience. Local businesses have adjusted their products and services as the situation evolves to meet changing consumer needs while ensuring that safety and health regulations are adhered to. Residents of Geelong have shown their support by shopping locally and helping local businesses to navigate these uncertain times.
Central Geelong’s Adaptation to COVID-19
Food and Beverage Industry Adaptation
The food and beverage sector is one of the hardest-hit sectors by the pandemic. Restaurants and cafes had to quickly pivot in the face of lockdowns, social distance restrictions and other restrictions to continue to serve their communities. Central Geelong has seen many restaurants adopt new methods of serving their customers. They have ensured safety and provided delicious meals.
Local Eateries can survive by offering take-home meals
Take-home options and delivery have been added by restaurants and cafes to meet the changing preferences of consumers. Businesses have created new niches by offering meals that are easily heated at home and can be enjoyed. Customers who want convenience and quality will appreciate this.
- ALMA At Home, for example, has been a popular choice among Geelong residents who want to enjoy a gourmet dinner at home. ALMA’s new home delivery service offers prepared meals such as salads and slow-cooked meats.
- Black Bull Tapas Bar and restaurant also focuses on offering take-home meal kits. Head Chef Daniel makes fresh pasta, lasagna trays and a wider range of meals. This allows customers to enjoy restaurant-quality food without having to leave their homes. This has allowed the restaurant not only to keep up its high standards but also to provide a steady flow of business.
- Café Go is another local favourite that has focused on offering essential services to healthcare workers. The cafe delivers breakfast and lunch during business hours to Geelong Hospital employees, demonstrating how businesses can adapt to meet the needs of their staff in difficult times.
Innovative Solutions for Groceries & Essentials
Retail businesses have also quickly adapted. Yarra Street Quartermaster, for example, recognized that customers wanted safer and more convenient shopping. The business introduced a two-lane, drive-through system where customers could purchase groceries, coffee, and wine directly from their vehicles. This model is popular among those who want to avoid crowded shops while supporting local businesses.
The Fresh Food Merchant on Malop St has also adapted to the changing needs of customers by providing several options for shopping. The Fresh Food Merchant offers in-store shopping and order-and-collect options as well as home delivery. Many of the products are sourced locally.
A Family Fun Day Sausage Sizzle at Geelong Ripple Side Park
Online Platforms Professional Services
Professional service companies adapted quickly to offer their services remotely as the pandemic forced many businesses to go online. These businesses offered digital consultations before the pandemic, but it was essential to maintain customer engagement when they offered online services.
Pace advertising has, for instance, been instrumental in helping companies transition to a model that is only online. They have helped numerous businesses set up digital marketing, video conferencing and other online services to allow them to operate remotely. This move from in-person consultations to online communication is essential for those who previously relied upon them, such as lawyers, doctors or consultants.
Adaptations for Health and Fitness
Fitness studios and gyms have also been affected by the pandemic. However, businesses in Central Geelong are finding ways to keep their residents healthy and active. Fitness studios and gyms are now offering virtual or online classes to allow clients to continue working out from home.
Good Folk Yoga offers daily yoga and meditation sessions to help people cope with the stress caused by the pandemic. Upstate Studio, on the other hand, has adopted technology to live-stream fitness classes. This allows members to remain active and engaged.
Wonder Yoga also offers its classes online. The sessions are tailored to different levels of practitioners, including beginners and advanced. These adaptations help to maintain the mental and physical health of the community, as well as keep these businesses thriving during uncertain times.
Digital Entertainment: The Future of Entertainment
Central Geelong’s entertainment scene is still thriving, even though many venues have closed their physical doors. Many venues have created online entertainment.
Piano Bar, for example, continues to stream live performances every night on Facebook Live. Fans can enjoy live music at home, and request songs, or shoutouts. This keeps the community spirit alive, even in virtual spaces.
The digital revolution has also been embraced by cultural institutions. Victorian Collections has made the National Wool Museum‘s collection, which includes over 7,500 items, including 4,000 photos, available online. Geelong Gallery also opened its virtual doors to allow art lovers to enjoy its collection in the comfort of their own homes.
The Geelong Library & Heritage Centre offers access to a large collection. The library increased the number of digital items that residents can borrow at one time in response to increased demand.
The Secret Life of Buildings light projection during White Night in Geelong
Supporting local art and creativity
Central Geelong’s creative community is finding innovative ways to maintain art and creativity. Local art suppliers such as Artworx Geelong, Geelong Arts Supplies, and Artworx Geelong, continue to provide their customers with online orders, vouchers, and deliveries. It’s a great opportunity for people to support small businesses and local artists while remaining safe at home.
Gift vouchers are also available in many of these shops. Residents can use them at a future date to help support the local arts community or prepare for future events.
You can support local businesses by:
Central Geelong businesses are adapting to the pandemic, but residents can show their support in many ways. You can continue to support your favourite businesses during the pandemic.
Book in Advance
Booking appointments in advance allows businesses to plan, allowing them to run their business smoothly. Booking appointments in advance gives businesses more control over their schedules and allows them to maintain a steady income.
Purchase Gift Certificates
Gift certificates can be used to plan for future events while supporting businesses. You can purchase them for any occasion, including birthdays and anniversaries. It is a great way to support local businesses and give your family something to look forward to once normal operations resume.
Share Your Experience
Online reviews can be a powerful way to spread the word about businesses you love. Posting a positive review helps potential customers discover great products and services. Following and sharing local businesses’ social media accounts is another way to show your support and help others find hidden gems.
Love Central Geelong app: A call to action.
Download the Love Central Geelong app to learn more about businesses in Central Geelong that are innovating and adapting in these difficult times. This app provides an online directory that allows you to find local businesses, and learn about the products and services offered by them in response to the pandemic. Supporting local businesses helps to create jobs and contributes to the long-term success of the Geelong area.
For more information on how you can support your local businesses and find out about the latest offerings, visit the Central Geelong website at www.centralgeelong.com.au/find
Conclusion
Central Geelong has risen to the challenge of adversity. Local businesses have overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 epidemic through creativity, adaptability and a strong community spirit. Residents can show their support by buying local, making appointments in advance, buying gift vouchers and sharing experiences. We can ensure that Central Geelong businesses continue to flourish, even during uncertain times, by shopping locally, booking appointments in advance, purchasing gift vouchers, and sharing our experiences.
