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Window furnishings retailers, fabricators and wholesalers in Melbourne are adapting to Stage 4 lockdown rules brought in by the State Government to stem the tide of coronavirus cases plaguing the city.
Under the rules, businesses that do not fall into the permitted industry categories must close their operations for a six-week period which began on midnight the 5th of August. The news is a massive blow for retailers who can now only operate remotely from home. Many retailers including Dollar Curtains and Blinds, Victory Curtains and Blinds and Wynstan have elected to trade on though this period offering online consultations by phone and video. They will however be unable to complete any residential orders, in home quotes, or installations until the Stage 4 restrictions are lifted.
One retailer that is still allowed to trade is BlindsOnline.com.au. Online retailers have classified as a permitted industry and are allowed to continue to fulfil orders as long as they adhere to a COVIDSafe Plan.
“We want to assure you that all orders with Blinds Online are on track and being processed as normal. While we’re taking all necessary precautions to keep our staff safe, operating online means that we’re still able to work and fulfil your orders as they come through,” the company said.
“Our support team are now working remotely and will still be able to answer any of your queries, and our dispatch team will make sure your blinds and curtains make their way to you without any issues.”
Retailers outside of the Melbourne Metropolitan region are still allowed to trade as long as they abide to the Stage 3 restrictions imposed on regional Victoria on the 5th of August, including the four square metre rule and the wearing of masks at all times.
Fabricators and wholesalers have also been heavily impacted by the restrictions with confusion reigning as to whether they could continue to operate in some capacity during Stage 4. The Blind Manufacturers Association of Australia (BMAA) sought legal advice on behalf of its members as soon as the guidelines were released.
“Unfortunately, our solicitors are unable to give a definitive answer as to whether or not BMAA members can remain open for business due to the diversity of our membership,” Lynn Potesil from the BMAA said.
“BMAA is not able to provide legal advice in this instance as we would be exposed to risk by giving advice on poorly articulated regulations that is then relied on by members to their detriment.”
“The document states that manufacturers of residential building supplies may operate with a COVID safe plan in place. The document also states that manufacturing to support residential building industry may continue to operate. There is a possibility that some members could remain open if they are supplying to the housing/construction industry.”
A number of companies have continued to trade under the provisions allowing the supplying of the construction industry, however businesses volumes will most likely be down as construction sites have had limits places on the number of workers and outside contractors that can be on site.
Australian Awning Group is one such business manufacturing external blind and awning systems.
“As a Victorian based Australian Manufacturing business, we understand how tough it is for some of our valued partners and customers right now,” the company said on facebook.
“We are operating safely and as normal under our comprehensive COVID plan so we can continue to support your business requirements.”
Wilson Fabrics is in the fortunate position of having its mill and distribution centre located in Wangaratta, which is Regional Victoria and falls under stage 3 restictions.
“The Melbourne and customer service teams are working from home, and our mill and distribution centre staff are still on site, manufacturing and dispatching your orders. All orders will be dispatched as per normal,” the company said on Facebook.
“This is a very hard time for Victorians and ultimately for Australians, and we are thinking of all our customers that may be affected by this crisis.”
One wholesaler that has shut its Melbourne office is Blindware. However, the company will continue to service its Melbourne-based customers continuing to trade.
“Our customer service, supply chain and admin staff able to work from home and access all computer/server systems as normal,” the company said in an email.
“Our Melbourne warehouse will remain open for stock despatches unless there are any unforeseen circumstances.”
“In addition, our warehouse operations in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth will provide good backup, remaining unaffected for as long as the virus can remain under control in each of these cities.”
The company added that they had been anticipating the lockdown for some time now and that it had moved as much inventory as possible out of its Melbourne warehouse to its interstate facilities.
