The gold brick shops have been hit the hardest, with employees at three different locations reporting a 50% decrease in sales. The economic impact of the global pandemic has resulted in decreased foot traffic and consumer spending in these stores. Despite the decrease in sales, gold prices have remained relatively stable, indicating that consumer behavior and confidence are the primary factors affecting sales in this industry. Businesses may need to adapt their marketing strategies and offer promotions to attract customers and increase sales during these challenging times.