12/30/2020
Businesses faced closure, struggled to adapt in 2020
Nick and Elaine Markopolous, of Hudson, Mass., are served by Justine Dancuse, of Woonsocket, outside Christopher’s Kitchen & Bar in May. (Breeze file photo by Robert Emerson)
Pandemic spurs new activity in some sectors
There were few sectors harder hit by the COVID-19 pandemic than the small business community, where protective measures disrupted a way of life for thousands of business owners across the state.
In Woonsocket, restaurant owners and small retail businesses were forced to shut their doors to customers in March as a wave of infections spread across the state. Takeout replaced table service as customers flocked to support local restaurants, but with fewer customers and no in-person alcohol sales, many owners still reported a drop in sales of more than 50 percent.
12/9/2020
Local retailers struggle to bring in customers as Christmas approaches
Tom Tatro displays some of the wares on sale at A Special Place in Woonsocket, where he’s introduced private shopping appointments to try to attract customers. (Breeze photos by Lauren Clem)
NORTH SMITHFIELD – December is usually the busy season at Lulu’s Krazy Daisy Fashion Consignment in North Smithfield, where owner Laurie Villiard said she often gets customers looking for outfits for their holiday get-togethers. But with no get-togethers, and fewer people shopping for gifts in person, business at the St. Paul Street store has been “dismal” this year.