Ponsonby News has been hit hard by the Covid-19 Pandemic and we having been working vigorously on our business plan in our small bubble.
Local businesses have been doing it hard – some landlords have come to the party offering some reduced rents but others have offered nothing.
There are some local businesses who have done so well they have declared that they have ‘almost made a profit’. The plan for most has been about service, positioning them for the time when they can fully open up again.
Portion sizes, when getting takeaways, have unanimously been declared ‘very generous’, and quality has been declared ‘exceptional’. It’s a new way of engaging with cafes and restaurants and many have started making it happen – iconic businesses like Gusto Italiano, Fives Loaves, Sidart, Prego, SPQR and some eateries based in Ponsonby Central.
Next Sunday is Mother’s Day and, at this point in time, we feel Mother’s Week seems more appropriate. If you are a last-minute shopper, don’t despair, many local retailers offer click and collect services so that you can pick up your items just 30 minutes after ordering. In general, Ponsonby News’ readers are a little spoiled for choice with a vast array of fashion, home decor and specialist shops. Local businesses both near and far are ready to go the extra mile and make gift-giving in lockdown as fun and easy as possible.
Let’s keep ourselves positive, kind, with more community cooperation and togetherness going forward, and prospering long after Covid-19 has been eliminated. It will do wonders to our self-esteem and our wellbeing. A local mentioned having a mid-winter food festival at home through virtual ordering and delivery, giving us another opportunity to eat the best of Ponsonby at home on a chilly autumn evening. (MARTIN LEACH)