Running a shop on a high street has never been an easy task, due to the evolution of people’s shopping habits becoming more online based, and a slow gravitation away from visiting physical shops themselves. However lockdown has turned our usual lifestyles on their heads, so have our changed behaviours had a positive or negative effect on the businesses in Hampton?
Throughout lockdown thousands of small businesses in London were forced to close, with an estimated 76,300 remaining permanently closed, demonstrating the devastating effects of the virus and the shortcomings of the government to deal with this matter. (My London News 2020) A local shopkeeper of the ‘All in One Service Bar’ in Hampton, has shared in this difficult experience, explaining that his business ‘dropped by three-quarters’, after his shop was closed for three months during lockdown. This has been a common occurrence in London with 48% of small businesses in London losing over 20% of their business. (BDaily News 2020) This has resulted in desperation and anxiety for many business owners struggling to survive, with this shopkeeper admitting he was ‘struggling to keep the shop going.’ Fear has also been a key component in this virus, with many people afraid to venture far outside their homes anymore, reducing the footfall and consequently, profits, in shops even after many restrictions have been lifted. Our shopkeeper backs this up explaining that ‘people are very cautious now’, and are more hesitant to part with their money.
In contrast ‘Birdies Bikes’ has done exceeding well from the Corona Virus. Lucas, the manager explains that during lockdown they were not required to close, and ‘demand has gone through the roof’, as people were unable to take public transport and needed a new means for getting around, as well as people having much more time to try something new. This forms a pattern throughout London, with cycle to work schemes ensuring a 200% increase in bicycle orders from people working for emergency services. (BBC 2020) The results of this bicycle boom are still felt now with Lucas stating that ‘a lot more people are cycling’ than there usually would be at this time, illustrating that the effects of corona virus are not all bad. However this increased demand has posed problems of its own, with a ‘struggle in regards to supply lines’ for ‘Birdie Bikes’ due to the extra bikes required and the restrictions Corona Virus has placed on international shipping. Lucas goes on to explain that ‘keeping up with demand has been difficult’, however despite this their business is flourishing, along with many other cycling shops throughout London.
Therefore it is evident that the type of business run indicates the effects felt. Many businesses that are more outdoor based have profited much more from COVID 19, as caution plays more on the minds of the general public. As a result, in Hampton the virus has caused more harm than good, with the majority of shops having to close for the three month lockdown period and struggling to remain open now. There is no telling what the future holds, but many shopkeepers are eager for the virus to disappear so they can get back to business as usual.
