NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Small business owners say they hope a busy holiday shopping season can help them make up some of the losses they've seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For stores at East Nashville's Shoppes at Fatherland, Black Friday looked different than it has in previous years.
"I have hand sanitizer placed throughout the store," Randi Michaels Block, the owner of Pauli's Place Boutique said. "I have free masks for people that need them, too."
Michaels Block said the weeks in between Thanksgiving and Christmas are typically the most important for small businesses, and they are made even more critical this year because of COVID-19.
"November and December really carry us through the leaner months, so the sales during those months are very important," she explained. "2020 was rough for everyone, and for small businesses its been a challenge just to keep our doors open."
Small stores across the country have been hit especially hard by the impacts of COVID-19. A study from Yelp says nearly 100-thousand businesses have permanently closed since the start of the pandemic. Pauli's Place had to close it's doors for three months in the spring, as the virus first spiked in Nashville.
"Our sales between this year and last year, I cant even tell you, it's huge. There's a huge difference," Michaels Block said. Now she and other small business owners are hoping holiday sales, starting with this weekend, can help make up that difference.
"Our sales honestly are down tremendously, but we're still here, and my hope is we'll continue to be here for a long time to come," she said.
What is the rebound?
As Middle Tennessee works to rebound from the impact of the Coronavirus, we want to help. Whether it's getting back to work, making ends meet during this uncertain time, or managing the pressure, we're committed to finding solution. In addition, we want to tell your stories of hope, inspiration, and creativity as Middle Tennessee starts to rebound.
Find more in the sections below
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Safely Back to School
How schools are changing, and what you can do to help your child get the most from their education, in-person or virtual -
Making Ends Meet
Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques -
Managing the Pressure
Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress. -
Doing What’s Right
Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community. -
State of Education
Find ways to cope with the new normal around schools and celebrate students’ success in the age of Coronavirus. -
We're Open Y'all
Support local businesses doing their best to stay open and serve their customers during Covid.
