A pleasure doing business
Spirits were high and crowds were steady this week as non-essential businesses in Cork opened their doors after six weeks of closure.
The mood has been generally positive as traders strive to make the most of a time of year that would normally see them at their busiest.
Wyon Stansfeld, who runs Pinocchio’s toy shop on Paul Street with his wife Christel, said trading was good and constant on Tuesday, day one of eased restrictions, and said that people were being very sensible.
“I didn't think people would rush out and go mad. It's so hard to know. Normally we would double week on week from the beginning of October until the end of December. That's not going to happen this year,” said Wyan.
He said he doesn’t expect business to reach hectic levels as the month progresses and that he doubts there will be a last minute shopping panic this year.
“I think there won't be a last minute rush this year. I think people will shop now, and there will be less of that panic shopping afterwards,” he said.
On Bridge Street, owner of boutique gift shop Unbound, Evanne O’Caoimh said it was great to be open again but that the lockdown had been tough for the Victorian Quarter.
“We didn't have any queues (on Tuesday), just two or three people at any one time. It was a great way to break us back in,” said Evanne.
She added: “Because we are in the Victorian Quarter, most of our neighbours are food and drink places, so it's been really hard on them. You want to be open. You want to be doing your best. There are a lot of places opening on Friday and I think we'll definitely see a difference then.”
To help with the Christmas demand and to ensure that delicate items sold at Unbound reach their destination safely, Evanne has added a personal touch by delivering some online purchases herself.
She said: “If it's local enough and I'm passing by, I would make an effort to try to do it, but don’t go advertising that!”
It was an especially busy return for hairdressers who will be hacking their way through six weeks of growth, right up to Christmas.
Andrew Cronin, co-owner of Carbon Hair Design on the South Mall, said the salon is already completely booked for the month, but that this lockdown hasn’t produced as many 'home jobs' as the last one.
“We are delighted to be back and to see everyone and welcome the customers back in the door. Because there was an end date in sight, people were happy to wait for their haircuts, unlike the previous lockdown,” said Andrew.
“I think people see the value in what we do and see the skill involved. It makes it even more of a nice treat after six weeks of sitting at home and stuffing our faces!” Mr Cronin added.
As things stand, businesses will remain open into early January when lockdown regulations will be reassessed.