Concord Coronavirus: Businesses Hunker Down During The Collapse

CONCORD, NH — In many ways, Wednesday was like any other day for Concord businesses attempting to navigate the new economic climate due to the new coronavirus. It was a bit sleepy, like a Sunday afternoon in the summer. Some people were mingling downtown and walking around.

Those who were out and about frequenting eateries that have moved to take out only at the direction of the state were seen carrying bags out of establishments and practicing safe social distancing while waiting in line. Parking enforcement officers were also still issuing parking tickets to those people shopping downtown who may have let their time lapse.

But in other ways, it was not a normal day, especially for those businesses that rely on a steady stream of customers. The days appear to be bleak.

Rick Kelly owns the Concord Barber Shop on North State Street and he is trying to figure out what to do next after a number of bad days of business that he thinks might last a bit longer considering the fear that has taken over in the wake of COVID-19. He likened it to a snowstorm day … that has gone on for days.

"It is down more than 50 percent," Kelly said.

Like most barbers and hair stylists, Kelly is proactive when it comes to disinfecting tools and surfaces. He isn't sick — and would close if he were — and his clientele haven't been coming in sick, either. They are staying home, which is something they should do. Kelly has even separated chairs so that customers were not so close together if they have to wait for him to finish up with a client. But there is clearly fear with his regulars because they aren't coming in.

Depending on how bad things get in the future, Kelly may move to appointments only. And that will be his new normal.

Cristine Williams, the owner of Thorne's of Concord on North Main Street, a lingerie and accessories shop, has a sign outside her store saying, "Yes, We're Open!" She said things were very slow downtown and there was a lot of concern in the community. But they were going to stay open. Williams also had all of the necessary cleaners and sanitizer available, too, to keep her counters and doorknobs clean.

"Folks can come in and grab anything that they need," she said with a giggle, "to make their time at home just a little easier … a little more … a little … saner."

Customers, Williams added, have been "friendly and nice … and very easy to deal with."

A few doors down, The Barley House, was closed, so there were no blackened chicken or lobster BLTs to get to go at lunchtime. But with the Statehouse closed and no state employees around, it was no surprise the restaurant would be closed. Owner Brian Shea said his doors would reopen from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday for takeout.

"Thank you, Concord and North Hampton communities for a better than expected St. Patrick's Day with our to-go corned beef & cabbage dinners," he wrote on the restaurant's website. "We are here for you, but (Tuesday) felt like you were here for us."

At The Crust And Crumb, business was slow, but there were customers, all heeding proper social distancing, as requested on signage at the store. They had a few loaves of bread for sale, a couple of cakes and pies, and a number of whoopie pies, too. The Brown Bag Deli was open for takeout orders, as was Revelstoke Coffee, The Works Café, and Dos Amigos, a bit further down the street, which is also offering delivery. A number of other shops, too, like the Viking House and Caring Gifts, were open. But many others were closed and the empty parking spaces at lunchtime in Downtown Concord made this a bit spooky.

Dom D "The Saxman," one of the city's buskers, was playing "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel outside of Candle Tree and CVS. He said the city was pretty sleepy and if he weren't playing, he would be home taking a nap. Instead, he'll nap later, and continue to play.

Ross Mingarelli, the owner of the candle shop, which offers custom made, hand stirred, soy wax candles, was working on light installations while mending from a broken arm. He said it was great that Dom was always playing outside his store. A number of people also tipped Dom and thanked him for playing Wednesday.

Mingarelli, like the others, is also staying open during the outbreak but said he understood the fears of some not wanting to shop downtown. He, too, is always cleaning up the shop but is now setting up packages for customers to pick up ahead of time, too, not unlike the takeout orders at food establishments. Mingarelli was also running a four for $40 deal on candles so that customers could stock up and keep their homes smelling fresh.

"I'm trying to be creative," Mingarelli said. "I don't have the funds to shut down. This is what I can do to keep sales going. Every business needs to be a little creative right now."

Downtown Concord on March 18, 2020, lunchtime, during the new coronavirus.

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