Photo by Curtis Galbraith

By Curtis Galbraith

Local Business

Pandemic hurting local small businesses

Mar 18, 2020 | 5:30 AM

Grande Prairie businesses are feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Downtown Association Executive Director Wendy Bosch says the impact of a drop in traffic and sales was felt almost immediately.

“As high as 75-plus per cent. Every business is cognizant of the risk to public health and are trying to mitigate these health risks for the safety of the public, their own families, and employees. To mitigate financial risks, they are trying to diversify into any way they can do business.”

Bosch says that includes local on-line local shopping, drive-by curb deliveries, and gift cards.

She adds she has not seen positive sales for any business located in Grande Prairie’s core.

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“People need to remember (that) small business has always been here for our community and I know our citizens know and recognize that..”

She adds the public can help by supporting local businesses.

“Supporting by online shopping, our local online shopping. Supporting them by ordering and getting curbside deliveries, buying gift cards so that they can use them now or later or give them as gifts. The Downtown Association has gift cards as well, open to every business in the core.”

Bosch believes the community will bond together to help small businesses.