Traders try new ways to serve public

Businesses across the Shire of Manjimup are putting their best foot forward to ride out the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Manjimup to Walpole, businesses — where able — are adjusting their practices to better suit the needs of the communities where they live.

Manjimup Meat Mart owner David Ebsary said the staff were adjusting to the new aspects of the business, including home deliveries and organising basic grocery packs for seniors.

“There has been an increase in demand and we have requests for deliveries coming in,” he said.

“We’ve had a big turn around in new customers.

“I think there’s a higher demand in people supporting local businesses.”

Mr Ebsary said if the demand was there, it was likely the basics packs and deliveries could continue after the coronavirus.

In Pemberton, Headquarters for Hair owner Tania Ridley has stopped doing long treatments, such as full sets of foils.

“I’m lessening the days I’m working too, which is good in a way because it means people are abiding to the social isolation rules,” she said.

“I encourage people to continue supporting local businesses, we’re a small place and need to help each other.”

Northcliffe’s Karri Country Good Food Co-op is setting up a delivery service.

Store manager and executive committee secretary Joanna Davis said there had already been a lot of expressed interest in the service.

“We are a volunteer-run organisation,” she said.

“We’re closed on Wednesday for cleaning and so our most vulnerable people can come in and shop.”

Walpole’s Philipine Magic Cafe has seen a 90 per cent drop in business and introduced phone orders.

“We’re here for those people who need a coffee or a takeaway snack,” owner Ron Glas said.

Visit bit.ly/2XSYMMK for a full list of Manjimup shire businesses.