It’s no secret that small local businesses have been struggling through the pandemic. And now, small businesses in the La Crosse area are asking for your help.
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — It’s no secret that small local businesses have been struggling through the pandemic. And now, small businesses in the La Crosse area are asking for your help.
“The Coulee Region, the greater La Crosse area, is incredibly generous,” said Nick Roush, owner of Roush Rentals and Root Down.
The campaign, Get On Living Safely, was created by local, small business owners, to remind people to spend their money at mom and pop shops.
“We’ve been innovating from day one, as have so many other businesses here,” said Misty Lown, owner of Misty’s Dance Unlimited.
Business owners say the issue isn’t the lack of people buying things.
“Money is still being spent, it’s all just happening online,” said Roush.
Roush says the loss in revenue has impacts on the whole community.
“The losses to date, since the pandemic began have been, in just La Crosse County in excess of 100 million dollars,” said Roush.
Many business owners that are taking part in the campaign are encouraging others to think of creative ways to serve customers.
“Innovation, I believe is part of the solution for us to bridge the gap so that we can get on living safely,” said Lown.
Throughout the pandemic, Lown’s dance studio has offered virtual lessons and recitals, and she’s instilled safety precautions to keep in-person dance classes safe.
But the businesses worry about the coming winter months.
“It’s reaching fever pitch of course because we’re moving into the holiday season,” said Roush.
They worry the innovation they’ve worked so hard on won’t be able to carry them through.
“The outdoor options disappear in Wisconsin, because you can’t drink your coffee and have breakfast when you’re getting snowed on. It’s just not practical,” said Roush.
Roush says support all the small businesses you loved before the pandemic, because right now they need your help to make it.
If you’d like to see which small businesses are involved, and how you can help them… you can go to their Facebook page, Get On Living Safely.
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