Business and the pandemic

By Corrine Gadke

Since the start of the COVID pandemic, businesses have been hit hard with an unsure future. As Alberta is in Stage two of its relaunch, most local businesses have been able to weather the storm. Five months into the pandemic, some local Whitecourt businesses were asked how they held up during this unprecedented time.

A wave of hope came across most business owners as comments were made about how business is looking for them.  “We have seen an influx in the last week and a half, nowhere near where we were last year, but hoping it continues,” stated Shawn Dagasso, local Owner/ Manager of Fountain Tire.

Amy Godderis, Owner of Whatever Works, remarked, “I started my business in July of 2019, and I have been doing great with each month improving better than the last.”

Two companies noted that it was tough in the beginning, one trying to receive stock from its supplier and the other to continue to keep up with the first wave of consumer panic buying. Now, both are on a more relaxed selling rate each month, which is gradually climbing. They are both still not up to par with previous year’s revenues but are hopeful as each week’s pass.

Downtown local shop Owner Ashley Olsen noted that her business, White Wall Wood is new, but has been continuously open. The shop offers deliveries and curbside pick-up to coincide with COVID-19 safety measures, and business is still doing well. Olsen also discussed that with the stage two relaunch, more and more people are coming through town from camping or visiting friends and family, which brings them out to shop.

On the downside of the Alberta stage two relaunch, one company is in a hard spot. Speaking with Joanne Ruck, Owner and Operator of Bugz and Beanerz, Whitecourt’s local Indoor Playground, is in a state of uncertainty for her company.  Ruck quoted, “if we don’t go into stage three of the Alberta Relaunch, I will be looking at having to close the doors.  We are unable to open to the public at this stage, and it is a hard circumstance to deal with.”. Ruck mentioned that in the past, her business had offered summer camps, year-end school activities, Girl Guide activities, and has also partnered with Parent Link with the Allen Jean Millar Centre. Anticipating the stage three relaunch, Ruck would like to continue these offers. At this point, they are continuing to offer private rentals, purchase passes and gift cards.

As most local businesses feel somewhat of the weight caused by the COVID pandemic start to lighten, others feel a much larger heaviness. However, all are hopeful that business will continue to rise and look forward to the COVID-19 pandemic to subside.