Holiday business boom continues as COVID-19 cases rise

Despite the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, people are coming out in droves to shop local.Small business owners say it’s a boost they need but are concerned as other states begin to close schools and public events.Owner Daniel Schwartz of Rustic Home said his Hamilton gift shop has seen no shortage of excited, loyal customers this holiday season.”So far for us, the community has really come out and supported big,” Schwartz said. “We have many days when people are waiting for us to get open.”A pleasant, much-needed surprise following months of uncertainty and shutdowns caused by COVID-19 in 2020. It forced many stores to reduce hours, move business online or close entirely.”If we were to backtrack it would be a little rough,” Schwartz said.What Schwartz is hoping won’t happen again is already starting to in many states — COVID-19 cases surging and the omicron variant causing schools to close in Maryland, New York and Missouri, to name a few.In…

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