COVID-19 hurts business COVID-19 hurts business

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Some businesses have felt no impact at all from the Covid-19 panic in the last few weeks.

Tractor Supply, Westbury’s Ace Hardware, grocery stores, gas stations, Dollar Generals, all pharmacies, and Walmart have reported brisk sales.

John Bridge at Tractor Supply said that they have been extremely busy. “People are getting ready for spring planting, so they have been in buying supplies they need. We even have chicks in the back for people wanting to buy them for Easter or to start raising them,” said Bridge. “Our problem is that we just don’t know how long we will be able to be open.”

Westbury’s Ace Hardware has been busy selling yard care equipment and supplies, hunting paraphernalia, spring planting goods, and they have also been busy with customers buying home improvement items. With many residents being forced to stay home, some have found this the perfect time to work on some of those renovations they never seem to have time for.

Walterboro’s Best has also been busy.

Some businesses have decided to use social media to extend business and sales opportunities for customers. Shoppers are able to go online and purchase via the internet or Facebook at local stores. Some even have curbside service for buyers.

But for other businesses, the virus has already been devastating.

Dine-in restaurants have certainly felt the sting of Covid-19’s government mandates regarding isolation and quarantining.

Many food service employees have been laid off since dining rooms have closed and sales are way down.

Cindy Corley, owner of The Old Bank and Christmas Shop, is worried. “Business has been terrible since our dining room has had to close,” said Corley. “I have already been forced to lay off several waitresses, and I hate that. I have had no choice. We have curbside delivery service and take out, and our store is open, but that doesn’t help a lot,” she said. “Sales have been very slow.” Old Bank’s deli sandwiches and fresh pastries are still available and can be ordered by phone. Customers can drive right to the door and have the food hand delivered.

Practically all of the restaurants in town have take out service for their customers.

Business is also slow for hair and nail salons, massage venues and similar businesses. Few clients are coming in or scheduling appointments.

Hopefully, this national disaster will soon end and life can get back to normal. In the meantime, Colleton residents can help the local economy by purchasing take out orders from restaurants and assisting those who have lost their jobs.