WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — The Saturday following Black Friday is traditionally known as Small Business Saturday and becomes more important than ever in 2020.
Many small businesses in Central Wisconsin opened their doors Saturday to celebrate Small Business Saturday, a day set aside to encourage people to shop locally. And with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing into its 10th month, a day celebrating small businesses is what local business owners need.
Mary Gallagher owns The Milk Merchant on 2nd Avenue in downtown Wausau. Her small business specializes in cheeses, carrying everything from wine, craft beer, specialty grocery items, gifts, and home goods to go with their artisan cheeses. Gallagher tells WAOW-TV how the pandemic has impacted her business over the past year.
“Well, things definitely slowed down. We closed our doors for a few months and then we were doing curbside pickup. We’ve had such a rough 2020 and things slowed down and we lost inventory with spoilage and everything else.”
If things continue as they have for small businesses the consequences could be dire. The Wausau River District is a local non-profit organization that focuses on supporting small businesses in downtown Wausau. River District Executive Director Blake Opal-Wahoske explains how this year it’s more important than ever to support your local small business.
“We’re looking at one out of two businesses that are potentially closing if business disruption continues at its current rate. And 70% [of money spent at small businesses] stays here in the local economy as compared to spending at a local big box store.”
During the pandemic, many small businesses have embraced curbside and online ordering, for safe shopping. Masking requirements and social distancing limits are in place at many local businesses to promote safer indoor shopping. Residents are encouraged to continue shopping local throughout the holiday season and beyond.
