Some local businesses thriving amid coronavirus pandemic

It’s easy to rattle off the list of businesses hurting or shut down because of the coronavirus.

While some are thriving right now, that list is much shorter and not so obvious.

One business is finding new customers because so many people are stuck at home.

With a safer-at-home order in place, people are watching a ton of TV. Then, there are those who get off the couch to exercise.

“We are not usually this busy during March,” said Mike Holm. He says sales at Fort Myers Schwinn Cyclery are up by 30%. “We didn’t expect it. It was shocking.”

They say the spike is because of COVID-19. The state deems their store as essential because of the service it provides. But they must ensure everyone’s safety.

“We have striped the hallways with lines to keep people apart at the register. We are wearing masks when we have people inside the store. We have hand sanitizer at the checkout counter, I go back and wash my hands between absolutely every customer,” Holm said.

Across town is owner of Pedego Fort Myers, Lisa Badolato. She’s taking extreme precautions too.

“We decided as a store just to be safe for our customers, ourselves, our neighbors,” she said, so they too can keep up with the sudden surge in demand.

“It’s never-ending so that’s a good thing, no complaints here,” she said.

Badolato and Holms agree in these uncertain times they’re fortunate their business is booming.

“The weather is spectacular, and it’s just a great activity that you can do for a couple of hours,” Badolato said.

“We can help the community stay active, so we just think it’s a great idea to get out and ride,” Holms said, and biking can be a great way to work out and maintain social distancing.

Despite the governor’s safer-at-home order, exercise is encouraged, but again, as long as you practice social distancing.