The deadly coronavirus has caused much havoc among communities and businesses and while many retail stores in the Nelson Bay CBD will take months, or even years, to recover, many shop owners are looking ahead with optimism.
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The Examiner spoke with three business owners on a cold Friday afternoon and despite the empty streets in the normally busy tourism shopping strip, the mood among the shopkeepers remained upbeat.
Jeweller Steve Harding, who in December clocked up 40 years of service in the Bay, said that keeping his business open while adhering to health restrictions had generated some surprising benefits.
"We are lucky in our little shopping strip that the Post Office, banks and other retail stores have remained open. I have cut back my hours but business is not as bad as I expected," Mr Harding from Bayside Jewellers said.
"People with extra time on their hands have been digging up old jewellery, grandfather clocks and the like and bringing them in for cleaning or repairs."
While he is thankful for the support from the local community, Mr Harding is predicting a bumper period for Bay businesses once the restrictions have been released.
"I am expecting a huge surge in domestic visitors."
On the Nelson Bay marina, Ice Creamery owner/operator Garry Deakes says he has no regrets about his decision to remain open while enforcing strict physical distancing rules.
"While business has been down quite significantly, I have managed to retain all five staff. Like many businesses who rely on tourists, the pandemic has hit us hard, especially over the Easter holidays, but I can see an upside," he said.
"There has been great support from locals and I have noticed a shift in the way people are treating each other. They are more kind and considerate and gentle with each other.
"I wasn't sure whether I should keep my doors open but the reaction from locals has made it all worthwhile.I think by coming here it has allowed some people to keep life as normal as possible."
Giftware store owner Ali Orr, from Corner Secrets, said the decision to reopen her doors after initially shutting up shop for three days was driven by a desire to serve the community, and certainly not for any financial gain.
"It was difficult to know what to do but the support from locals tells me it was the right decision. Locals out walking and exercising are happy to stop by and make a small purchase."
