As pubs and restaurants open, Brits are too scared to enter Business

“People have gotten into the habit of saving more, doing more in their community and shopping more locally,” he says.

“This has profound implications for businesses. If you are a local family business, should you have an online presence? Absolutely. But should you shout more about what you do locally? Yes you should. “

An example of this is Top Cuvee, a restaurant in Highgate, North London.

When Covid hit the site became a retailer, initially to empty the wine stock in the cellar.

“Retail was the only option. Initially, we had to pay the team, the rent and the suppliers, ”explains co-founder Brodie Meah.

“We posted it on Instagram and the response was overwhelming – we were completely busy. This led to a funny situation where we said, “Wait a minute – we’re going to have to get more stock.” “

As demand grew, they started selling online, with fast local bike delivery and nationwide next day delivery.

Meah now has twice as many employees as before the pandemic.

“It’s booming. That’s ten times the volume of wine we sell now, ”he says, talking about his bike during a delivery race.

The restaurant is full for its first week of opening. But retailing means the business can balance any volatile in-person demand with online sales.

Customers have grown accustomed to staying at home during the pandemic. If they don’t look to the business, the business may need to continue working with them.

Have you been to a restaurant or pub to eat or drink since the restrictions were eased? Tell us in the comments section below