Port Macquarie businesses reflect on COVID-19's influence on trade

That has been the observation of specialty food store Gourmand Ingredients Port Macquarie owners John and Maryline Green during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Green estimates business is up about 20 per cent.

"The only thing we can think of is because people were locked down at home, they in fact were spending more time cooking and experimenting with their cooking," Mr Green said.

At first, people came into the Short Street business looking for flour, for example, when the supermarket shelves were bare.

Some of those customers have returned in search of other food lines.

Mr Green said the biggest challenge was getting imported stock as factory closures overseas led to shortages.

Gourmand Ingredients Port Macquarie will again offer home delivery if there is a second lockdown or to help people in self-isolation.

Mrs Green said more people had learnt new cooking skills during the pandemic and their eating habits had improved due to less processed food.

She said the store benefited from the fact it had many suppliers.

Mrs Green has a simple but important message to shoppers.

"We ask people to be mindful of social distancing, and if the store owner asks you to leave a shop [due to COVID-19 restrictions], we don't do that to annoy you," Mrs Green said.

"You need to be mindful, have a list and limit your contact with other people."

Business is gradually picking up for Richard Moy from Richard the Barber.

"If it's quiet, I have a spell, if it's busy, I work," he said.

"People are a lot more cautious, particularly the elderly.

"A lot more have crept back over the past three to four weeks but some had very long hair."

The pandemic has proved a real talking point with barber shop customers.

HB Legal director Jim McIntyre said more people had updated their wills during this time.

"I suppose it is because people are sitting and reflecting, and getting on with the things they should do and don't often have the time to," he said.

Mr McIntyre said work related to buying and selling houses, and commercial work had been down.

But he said people were now getting back into planning ahead.

Dancing Fabrics owner Karen Packer feels blessed with support from loyal customers.

The business is now busy after a brief quiet period.

Clothing alterations form part of the business.

"It has been great to alter things I know people have bought in town," she said.

Ms Packer thanked her customers for their ongoing support.

Jons Family Jewellers is amid a new normal due to the pandemic.

Owner John Pitkin said business was slow to start with but now was quite good.

There is a spike of interest in engagement and wedding rings to mark milestone moments.

The repair side of the business has also picked up.

Mr Pitkin said people had taken the opportunity to sort out their jewellery.

He said there was also more interest in where items were made.

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