Small businesses look to the new year after challenges from the past

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW / WAGT) – Between the ongoing pandemic and the supply chain, 2021 has presented challenges for small business owners. But, as we enter a busy post-vacation period and the New Year, business owners look forward to 2022.

Escape Outdoors anticipates an active post-vacation season.

“The next few weeks are sure to be busy with returns, exchanges and people wanting to use their gift cards and the money they got over Christmas,” said Carson Wiley, sales associate and social media manager.

It comes after the store battled supply chain shortages with major vendors like kayaks, bikes, and t-shirts.

“Most of the products are sort of out of stock, you have to get the timing right every time you order them,” Wiley said.

But, Wiley said they found ways to overcome it.

“We basically bought other brands that have a little bit better stock, uh, they’re pretty much all the same, but getting these other brands, giving people more options was something we did,” he said. said.

And in the new year, they hope to have even more products in stock.

“We really hope to develop some of the brands that we already have,” said Wiley. “We hope to expand our bike, you know, and this department. Scott, who’s been a really big seller for the mountain biking scene, they’re pretty much out of stock so we’re hoping to buy some of their bikes.

This year’s impact was not only felt by Escape Outdoors and other retailers, but also by The Bees Knees, a local cafe, which reopened after the pandemic.

“We kind of re-evaluated what we were going to do as a business and decided to come back as a new concept,” said Eric Kinlah, the owner.

It was a decision that aroused mixed emotions. But as 2022 approaches, they have high hopes for what lies ahead.

“What we do is uh, it’s something that we’re passionate about,” Kinlah said. “My staff are really excited about the direction we’re taking and I just want other people to experience it as well. “

Wiley said that Escape Outdoors is full of hope for the New Year as they aim to expand the products they offer to new brands.

The Bees Knees look to 2022, as more people start to visit downtown Augusta.

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