THERE are positive signs of growing consumer confidence at a time when businesses in Bathurst are slowly resuming normal trade.
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COVID-19 has had a big impact on tourism, accommodation, hospitality and retail operators, many of which have seen significantly reduced trade or have had to shut down completely.
In the early days of the health crisis, it was estimated that restrictions could be in place for six months or more, sparking great fear in business owners.
However, many restrictions have been relaxed in recently after being in effect for around two months, allowing many businesses to start the recovery process much earlier than anticipated.
Bathurst Business Chamber president Catherine Fitzsimons has already seen some positive signs that consumers are ready and willing to support those businesses.
Cafes and restaurants are among those likely to benefit, particularly now that they are allowed to have up to 50 patrons at one time, as long as they abide by the four-square-metre rule.
From speaking to businesses, Ms Fitzsimons has heard that there's been a lot of support for takeaway from regular customers and they are continuing their patronage now that businesses are reopening.
"The feeling is generally seeing more people around, more people moving and some cautious optimism on the part of businesses in hospitality, which is somewhat faster than we expected with the relaxation of restrictions, so it's good news," she said.
There is also optimism that the region could see a boost in tourism now that there is more freedom to travel for recreational purposes within NSW.
Helping in that are some local and regional campaigns encouraging visitation and spending, including the chamber's KeepItLocal campaign, the DoorsOpen campaign and the We Want You Back campaign.
"I think there's cautious optimism around at the moment around hospitality and tourism and the boost that we could get from visitors starting to travel, particularly with the June long weekend coming up," Ms Fitzsimons said.
Residents are encouraged to continue supporting local businesses in a number of ways, including looking locally before they make purchases online.
People are also encouraged to maintain social distancing and practise good hand hygiene when visiting businesses.
"We should be getting out of our homes and visiting our art galleries, our museums, our community facilities that are reopening, our restaurants and our businesses, and patronising them, but not putting them or their staff at risk, or any other patrons," Ms Fitzsimons said.
