By Jessica Carney, for The Gazette
In the face of the pandemic and its hard hit on small, locally-owned businesses, “the push to shop small has resonated with a lot of people,” said Abby Huff, executive director of the Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District in Cedar Rapids.
The winter months of January and February are notoriously tough for small businesses, but a few stores and restaurants located within the Main Street District reported to Huff that they’ve had their best post-holiday sales since opening.
It’s encouraging news given the challenges small businesses have faced during the past year. But it’s worth noting that some businesses particularly ones that don’t serve food have had it a little harder than others.