While a large number of businesses have struggled because of the coronavirus restrictions, a few have flourished. And with pubs closed and restricted exercise times, Islanders, it appears, have been getting through lockdown with the help of Jersey’s bike shops and breweries.
Matt Topman, owner of Stinky Bay Brewery, said they had been ‘brewing at capacity’ throughout lockdown, producing close to 8,000 pints a month.
Prior to lockdown the company sold only to restaurants and shops but have since adapted their service to provide home deliveries directly to customers.
Mr Topman believes the current economic climate has given Islanders an increased enthusiasm for buying local and supporting small business ventures.
He said: ‘We have altered our operation to offer Islandwide home delivery. It’s been useful to have direct feedback from customers and interact with them.’
The pandemic has presented new opportunities for the brewery, which has launched a new beer, Shipwrecked, and the team at Stinky Bay now plan to start producing five-litre kegs as a result of lockdown.
‘The idea is perfect for drinking outside in lockdown and the summer months and is ideal for family gatherings,’ said Mr Topman.
Meanwhile, Islanders have been embracing the good weather by getting on their bikes and cycling through lockdown.
Tony Moffa, owner of Big Maggy’s Coffee and Bike Shop, believes the pandemic has pushed everyone into buying products or taking up hobbies which they had previously been ‘too busy’ to do.
‘We have sold more bikes than ever during this period and our servicing operation has been full,’ he said. ‘People are buying bikes, dusting off their old ones and getting on the road.’
Mr Moffa said they had sold double their usual quota of electric bikes and thinks the EVie bikes, now seen regularly across the Island, have persuaded more people to take up cycling.
He added: ‘The EVie bikes act as a lifestyle test for riders who hire them and go for picnics across the Island. It shows them what is possible with the new electric technology, which is easier and less daunting than a regular bike.’
The EVie Bike scheme was introduced over two months ago and the company director, Gavin Breeze, said he had been surprised by how quickly their usage had taken off in Jersey.
‘We originally had 140 bikes delivered to the Island and planned on doubling that. We currently have 3,800 users signed up to our app and predict a total of 5,000 by the end of the year.’
Mr Moffa believes the lockdown has been ‘life-changing’ for some of his customers, who are as old as 80 and are now able to get out of their house and cycle the Island on an electric bike.
He said the increased bike usage was something that could remain beyond the pandemic.
