‘It’s really hard for us’: Midland small businesses struggling to survive pandemic

Business owners in Midland aren’t too concerned about the possibility of another economic shutdown; they are too busy just trying to survive.

“It’s really hard for us. A lot of businesses are having a hard time right now,” said Sarah Kitchen, owner of One Stop Beauty Shop at .

Kitchen is worried about the local small business community, as many are dealing with significant revenue loses and are struggling to make ends meet. She said she believes the worst of the financial implications stemming from COVID-19 have yet to come.

“Could businesses handle an economic shutdown? Who knows. They might not be able to handle operating another six months exactly the way they are right now, even without a shutdown,” said Kitchen.

In order to reopen, most small businesses had to significantly change the way they operate. Smaller places, like One Stop Beauty Shop, are doing less business, as they’ve had to limit the number of people in the building at one time in order to ensure proper distancing. They’ve also had to purchase personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, protective barriers and signage.

“What’s challenging is operating a non-essential business with reduced revenue when rent, insurance and overhead are the same. You are paying 100 per cent of expenses, while you are only seeing 30 to 60 per cent of your usual revenue,” said Kitchen. 

Although her business has loyal clientele, many of those clients are cutting back on the services they receive, or extending the time between appointments and coming in less regularly than before.

“People have changed the way they spend their money,” said Kitchen. “But, much like ourselves, many of our clients were without work for a very extended period of time.”

She doesn’t blame anyone for these changes, noting that her own personal spending habits have changed. It’s just another aspect of the pandemic that’s affecting the economy.

Christine Taylor of Taylor and Co. Clothiers at . has also experienced a significant reduction in revenue.

“It’s been a struggle. Having very little walk-in traffic has really put some pressure on us this year,” said Taylor. “We are just taking it one day at a time.” 

The cancellation of weddings, proms and graduations due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a huge impact on her sales. And with people working from home, there is less of a need for formal wear.

“I’ve sold two suits this year. That’s it,” said Taylor.

The reconstruction of King Street has actually been a saving grace. Taylor ordered less inventory for the year, in anticipation of the construction limiting walk-in traffic. While that’s helped, she still needs to sell enough items to survive.

“I was getting concerned in September. Very concerned,” said Taylor. 

But it’s looking like I will be able to survive the year, especially if I get some Christmas shoppers.”

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Reporter Andrew Mendler was curious as to how local small businesses were faring in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, so he talked to a few to find out.