The coronavirus pandemic is pushing many businesses to breaking point, particularly those that have been affected since Chinese tourism ceased in January.
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The challenge is how businesses adapt, innovate and create new offerings to customers to survive during this time.
Creswick Woollen Mills executive director Boaz Herszfeld said the team was working to constantly be flexible, be viable, find new angles and find a positive out of a negative.
"It seems like every week there is another difficulty, but it is our responsibility to have a positive in that story as well," he said.
"You always have to think of something new."
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Creswick Woollen Mills has faced market challenges since December, when bushfires effected sales at retail stores in locations around Victoria and the business lost about a third of its customers when Chinese visitation was ceased.
Mr Herszfeld said a fashion photo shoot of Creswick Woollen Mills products at farms around Creswick is one way the team is hoping to attract Ballarat and Victorian customers to shop online and in store.
It seems like every week there is another difficulty, but it is our responsibility to have a positive in that story as well.
- Boaz Herszfeld, Creswick Woollen Mills
The photos will be distributed as a new product catalogue coming into winter.
New upgrades were completed at Creswick Woollen Mills in December, with a new farm yard that enhances the tourism experience and appreciation of natural fibres.
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The Mills is promoting children's activities at Easter and throughout the school holidays.
Creswick Woollen Mills has also formed a collaboration with internationally recognised handweaver Tammy Kanat and launched a new collection late last year, with art installations at its Melbourne retail store.
Mr Herszfeld said while the international market was cut off during the coronavirus pandemic, it was a great time for people from Ballarat, Creswick and surrounding areas to support local businesses.
"Every dollar that we keep in the local economy that then gets passed on to the next person and the next person," he said.
"We are a very strong part of the community and in times like this we need everyone to come out to the mill and tell the staff we are here to support you. It is all about working together."
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