The survey examining the impact of the coronavirus showed there were still many challenges for bricks and mortar shops and how online sales have been vital to keeping doors open. And revealed only a third of shoppers feel at ease about returning to a physical store and 22 per cent will only do so when there are zero cases in NSW.

But businesses such as Bombo Clothing Co in Kiama have managed to keep trading and retain their workforce with the help of JobKeeper and a loyal community. Their resilience and determination has also come from knowing that if they can survive 2020 they can make it through anything.

Read more: Why shopping local is so important during COVID-19 and what one publican is doing about it

At Bombo Clothing online sales and local support were the only means of trade when Sydneysiders were encouraged to stay away from South Coast towns over the traditionally busy summer and Easter periods.

But since it was established in 2005 by mother and daughter Marilyn and Sarah Atkins the fashion and lifestyle shop has been no stranger to overcoming adversity.

Marilyn Atkins had run Always Flowers for 13 years when she decided to team up with daughter Sarah Atkins and open the second business in a lane behind the terrace shops. Then two lucky escapes from fire in the first three years prompted a move to Collins St after Always Flowers closed.

"One of our neighbours burnt down and and then two years later the other side burnt down. Our philosophy since those days has been 'adapt or die'," Sarah Atkins said.

Bombo Clothing has done just that. Despite the advent of online shopping it still managed to attract plenty of in-store traffic to its fashion, footwear and accessories showroom downstairs. As well as the upstairs gallery with art, furniture and homewares.

"Bombo Clothing is defined by our longevity and resilience, as well as our ability to survive in the midst of chaos," Ms Atkins said.

"We are confident we can continue to think creatively and to contribute positively to our community. The support we've received from our loyal customers has been amazing, in what has been a very challenging year of retail on the South Coast."

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Among the hurdles to overcome in 2020 was a break-in at the store a week after it reopened from the lockdown, just after Mother's Day.

"This year has been rediculous. But when things like that happen you just have to bounce back. We do that by always trying to adapt and stock what our customers are looking for," Ms Atkins said.

That in itself has been difficult during COVID-19 with stock orders not being delivered in a timely manner.

Ms Atkins said even in uncertain times it is still important for small independent businesses to find a way to provide quality products and great service. She is hopeful the supply of hand made local garments may grow as a result of COVID-19.

She said one positive in towns such as Kiama was more people are starting to shop local rather than travel to larger shopping centres.

"Every purchase made in store or online and every comment or like on social media helps so much. We are deeply grateful to each and every one".

During summer Ashley Fuller was living near Mittagong and was facing evacuation as bush fires threatened the Southern Highlands from two directions.

Mrs Fuller and her family had relocated from Sydney mid 2019 for a lifestyle change but she kept her project management business in the city.

Despite facing drought, fires, floods and COVID since moving to Mittagong and then Burradoo she said "I love living here and I wouldn't change it for the world".

During the lockdown Mrs Fuller oversaw her Sydney business from home while planning to fulfill a long held dream of starting a kids' clothing boutique.

Being stuck inside with her young family over summer and then during COVID gave her time to realise that dream. And 'big little ones' opened its door in Bong Bong Street, Bowral on Thursday.

"I have employed people from the Southern Highlands to run and manage the store. It has been great to employ people who would otherwise be unemployed at this time," she said.

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When Mrs Fuller arrived a year ago she observed a gap in the market for a shop stocking a range of affordable, luxe clothing brands for kids as well as toys and baby shower gifts.

She first launched the online store in July which sells to a national customer base and offers same-day-delivery for locals.

The business is inspired by her daughters Aria and Zoe.

"I am the mother of two little girls who love shopping just as much as I. Everything from swaddles, wraps and sleep suits to our great range of dummies, essential oils and toys are all things I've tried and tested with my daughters."

Mrs Fuller's goal is for 'big little ones' to be a one-stop-shop for mums, mums-to-be, grandparents and people looking for gifts for baby showers or birthdays.

She feels confident about opening during COVID-19 because people are venturing out and creating foot traffic around Bowral shops all week. The new business is helping the local economy in another way by occupying a store that has been vacant for a year.

Illawarra Pools to Ponds is a new Wollongong business that converts disused pools into native ponds.

Peter Nolan has previous experience doing such transformations that save money for pool owners who no longer use them for swimming.

Mr Nolan said every conversion is different and each property owner has their own idea about what they would like to achieve. Some want to use recycled materials and some want to bring frogs, birds and wildlife back.

"You give nature a bit of a chance and it really does a lot of the work for you. It is not a big commitment for us to come and convert it and then it basically looks after itself."

Read more:

Movers and Shakers is a new weekly feature of people doing significant work in or for the Illawarra community

Do you have an interesting business story you would like to share? Email grellis@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

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