Bushfires, droughts, floods and a global pandemic have proved the resilience of Taree businesses, that is why the 'shop local' mentality is relevant now more than ever.
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The Shed Luxe was among the businesses in the Manning forced to close their doors for almost a month, after the NSW Government announced a state-wide lockdown on August 15.
After the previous store was damaged in the March floods, the shop had recently opened the doors to its new store a few doors away on Pulteney Street just weeks before the lockdown was announced.
"Businesses here have had to dust off, pick themselves up and carry on more than once," said Deb Saunders, who along with her sisters Callie and Sue, own The Shed Luxe.
While being online saw benefits for businesses affected by the stay-at-home orders, Deb said their store is an "experience" that relies on people visiting the space.
"We did increase what we had available to sell through our website... but we love being in store and face to face with our lovely customers, so it's good to be back!" Deb said.
"We have always enjoyed the more personal side of our business. We see our mums come in pregnant, then they bring their beautiful babies back to meet us and we watch them grow," Deb said.
There are many things we are privileged to be a part of in our customers lives. You just don't get that online.
- Deb Saunders, The Shed Luxe
Deb said they are "grateful" for the people who ordered over the phone for contactless pickup, and said it was just as important for them to buy from other local stores during that time.
"People went out of their way to buy from us and other local stores to help get through the closures. We also did this ourselves and we made a point of shopping with our local stores during that time," Deb said.
"Every little bit helps."
The Shed Luxe opened its doors back to normal hours on Saturday, September 11 after the Mid Coast Local Government Area lockdown was lifted.
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