‘Independents have come into their own’: Small businesses are adapting while chains flounder during lockdown

The big chains lack the energy and zest that led to them dominating the market. From now on, I’ll use the smaller garage, the independent pub, writes Chris Blackhurst

It seems the independents have adapted and found ways to reopen (AFP/Getty)

Call me mad, but I’ve started playing a game where I live. As I walk my dogs I make a mental note of those businesses that remain firmly shut, and those that have made an effort to open.

One garage is closed, another is open. On the face of it, from my position, there is nothing to choose between them: they’re both of similar size; they both employ roughly the same number of people; they offer pretty much exactly the same repair service. Yet while one shows no sign of life, the other has been repairing cars, albeit with adaptations for PPE and social distancing, for weeks now.

It’s the same with the pubs. One is doing a roaring trade with takeaway food and drink. Meanwhile, the much bigger pub right next door remains firmly boarded up.