Mid-Missouri businesses relying more on online shopping
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
As COVID-19 continues to impact every day life, many business owners in Mid-Missouri are having to accommodate to increased online traffic.
According to research from Adobe Analytics, U.S. online sales reached $73.2 billion in June. That's up 76.2% from just a year ago.
Some businesses have managed to convince shoppers to make the trip. Capitol Mall in Jefferson City said they're actually busier than they usually are this time of year.
Most however, have had challenges these past couple of months dealing with their businesses and how they can continue to make money. Sam Bushman, the Cole County Commissioner and small business owner said he lost over a quarter of a million dollars during the seven weeks where they needed to be closed.
Bushman said, while the stay at home order was in effect, he was all but out of luck. The commissioner's business thrives on weddings and proms and with neither happening, he said there wasn't much he could do.
Samuel's Tuxedos, Bushman's business, has been slammed since the re-opening. While it is hard for the business to completely eliminate in person contact, the company does allow you to do things such as send in your measurements.
The best way to support communities during this time, is to shop local, Bushman said.
He said everything is online now. The commissioner said he has noticed while a lot of restaurants in Jefferson City haven't opened for dining, many take online orders.
