Like countless cities and towns across South Carolina and the world, Summerville was uprooted by a pandemic that left residents secluded at home and many businesses either adjusting their services or closing down shops.<\/p>\n
It has led to a delay in the annual Flowertown Festival, an event that brings thousands of tourists and potential customers to Summerville in April. It\u2019s also led to less foot traffic in a town with dozens of small businesses that rely on local customers.<\/p>\n
For some owners, this has meant a complete remodeling of their business practices.<\/p>\n
The Greater Summerville\/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce recently put out a survey to grasp how the pandemic has impacted local business owners in the area.<\/p>\n
Seventy owners have responded so far. Around half were able to remain open while following guidelines. The rest had to either rely solely on new virtual services or close doors completely, like Sutton\u2019s salon.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very scary and very pressing time for people,\u201d said Rita Berry, president of the chamber.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n While many business owners feel like the reopenings mean the pandemic hardship can begin to ease, managing up to this point hasn\u2019t come easy.<\/p>\n Community support is one of the main reasons they\u2019re still standing. https:\/\/t.co\/WO35uPYkIg<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The Post and Courier (@postandcourier) May 13, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n