Local newsagent is busier than ever during Covid-19
By Aideen O'Flaherty
NEWSBEES, a local newsagents in Belgard is one of the lucky small local businesses that has adapted their services to boost business despite the disruption caused by Covid-19.
“We are busier than ever”, according to proprietor Karen O’Riordan.
Karen O’Riordan and Tegan McCann
The implementation of party decoration aspect to the premises – helium balloons, banners, wrapping paper, candles – has only added fuel to the fire of the Newsbees boom.
“We have at least five bookings every day and last Saturday we had 40 bookings for communions and other celebrations,” said Karen.
The idea for the party section came about when a few customers enquired if the shop had balloons.
“I had the helium tank there so I went out and bought some balloons. It is doing really well. We are trying to keep everyone happy. It is the little things that we are happy to help out with.”
Karen and her business partner Kevin Leydon took over the running of the shop five years ago from it’s previous proprietor, and the store has served the community of Belgard Heights for some 30 years.
“We have been a lot busier during Covid-19. A lot of people don’t want to go to the supermarket. We also started a delivery service, mainly in the Belgard area. We post on our Facebook page and I do a paper route every morning for people.”
“Very seldom do we have a large queue. Only five people are allowed in the shop at one time. There is a constant flow but never a queue.
“We are filling shelves everyday, seven days a week. The four girls who work here are playing an absolute blinder.”
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