Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) A local survey is shedding light on the challenges local businesses, many of which have been in operation for over a decade, are facing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Main Street Marshfield conducted a Business Impact Survey last week with 145 Marshfield area businesses participating, in partnership with the City of Marshfield and Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to the survey, 68 percent of businesses have suspended their storefront operations, and only a quarter of the businesses had an online sales component. Due to the pandemic, about half have seen revenue decline by 50 percent, 60 percent were at risk of losing employees, and 40 percent were at risk of closing within 5 months without intervention or assistance.
In the survey, many local businesses expressed concerns about keeping their employees and customers safe during a time when social distancing measures are implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19, also requesting more info about funding resources.
Main Street Marshfield provided suggestions for business safety, such as limiting the number of people in the building to maintain the 6-foot distance between customers recommended by the CDC, and providing PPE (personal protective equipment) to employees and customers.
Businesses could also expand their online presence to make sales, including showing off merchandise using Facebook live video for retailers, or for restaurants, uploading a current menu for carryout orders.
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Author: News Desk
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