COLORADO SPRINGS — The year 2020 was not an easy year for businesses.
"It's just like someone turned the lights off to the neighborhood and it was instantly dead down here," said Reed Fair, 45 Degree Owner.
Stores had to unexpectedly close their doors with little notice.
"So then we had to close so that was super scary," said Fair.
Come April and May there was a little bit of hope though, when stores began to open back up.
"Almost immediately in April with being shut down we saw locals supporting," said Fair.
Store owner, Reed Fair, shares how the support from customers is what kept his small business, 45 Degree, afloat during those challenging months.
"Without locals shopping a local cute neighborhoods like Colorado City won't be here for people to enjoy and that's just a scary thing to think about," said Fair.
Just a few doors down from 45 Degree sits Stella & Beau, a boutique that opened its doors in the middle of the pandemic.
"The support has been amazing so far this year and it makes a huge difference for our business and the local businesses down here as well," said Amanda Nagel, Stella & Beau assistant manager.
Assistant manager, Amanda Negal attributes the store's high sales to recent months.
"Definitely this Christmas season we have seen more shopping local and supporting local businesses," said Nagel.
She urges customers to continue the support!
"It will definitely be a lower year for most people this year, so having that support next year will really help it stay consistent for everyone," said Nagel.
So who knows, maybe the push to "support local" will continue.
"Hopefully that can be a new trend of supporting local because without our locals we won't be here," said Fair.
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