it’s all about what the elites believe “essential” is.
My Antique store is shut down as it is “non essential.” Most fortunately that store is totally paid for and wife and I are retired with separate income streams. We are okay.
Most unfortunately friends of mine in the same town are dependent on an income stream from their stores. They are hurting big time! Those other stores are our competitors but not really. Each of us just try to offer a unique shopping experience. We socialize and drink together on occasion. They are really my friends. One dear friend whom is my competitor was trained in London at one of the great auction houses of the world Christie’s. When I get a piece of very old furniture that I can not identify I have him look at if for me. He tells me what it is. I know my American funiture but my friend knows European furniture the best.
He sends me business for customers looking for what I have and I do the exact same for him.