Small businesses in Wake County's suburbs see boom in business amid pandemic

Wednesday, March 31, 2021
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- From the neighborhood bakery to the bookstore, there's reason for celebration along Main Street in downtown Wake Forest. Small businesses are experiencing a boost in support.

"The devastation we've seen in so many bigger cities has not affected us at all," said Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce President Ann Welton.
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Locals are choosing to spend their money in-town instead of heading out to nearby cities like Durham or Raleigh.

"It's almost like why bother? Why drive a half-an-hour or 45 minutes when we have a wonderful selection of businesses here," said Welton.

Plant Cakes co-owner Jess Reilly went from baking out of her home to opening a storefront and seeing customers constantly streaming through the door.

"We've been pretty nonstop since we opened," Reilly said. "The world got a lot smaller and support got a lot bigger."



Sue Lucey, the co-owner of Page 158 Books, says her sales have pretty much stayed the same throughout the pandemic.
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"It's extremely good because in this economy there is so many small businesses closing. People with one-click button will shop online," said Lucey.

And Wake Forest isn't alone, the Garner Chamber of Commerce said its' Main Street has also been well-supported by the community.

Cities on the other hand are not so lucky, they've seen a string of closures. It leaves the Wake Forest small business thankful for how well they've faired.

"My great-grandfather owned a business during the first pandemic, so I feel it's come full circle," said Lucey.

The Chamber says membership has been rising since the beginning of the year.
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