West Hollywood Businesses Recover from Economic Slowdown
Table of Contents
- 1. West Hollywood Businesses Recover from Economic Slowdown
- 2. A Climate of Concern
- 3. WeHo Gives back: A Community Effort
- 4. How have local businesses been coping with the revenue declines caused by the wildfires and the subsequent decrease in foot traffic?
- 5. Rebuilding West Hollywood: an Interview with Genevieve Morrill, President & CEO of West hollywood Chamber of Commerce
- 6. Understanding the Cause Behind Declines
- 7. WeHo gives Back: A Lifeline for Local Businesses
- 8. Fostering Resilience and Community
While miles away from the recent wildfire zones, West Hollywood has experienced a critically importent economic downturn in recent weeks, with many local businesses reporting revenue declines of 25% to 50%.The ripple effects of the disaster have led to a decrease in both residents and visitors,impacting restaurants and other small businesses across the city.
A Climate of Concern
“I think people are scared now.There’s been event after event to make them feel scared, so they are staying home,” said Jeff Douek, owner of Weho Bistro.
Douek, like many business owners, has witnessed a decline in foot traffic, a trend observed across West Hollywood since early January, according to Genevieve Morrill, president and CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of commerce. “Our businesses show about 25-50% decline as the fires,” Morrill explained, emphasizing the unexpected economic consequences for businesses outside the directly impacted areas.
WeHo Gives back: A Community Effort
In response to this challenging situation, the Chamber of Commerce has launched “WeHo gives Back,” a new initiative aimed at supporting local businesses struggling to recover from recent losses. The program, launching on March 1, aims to raise funds for small businesses to help them offset losses, maintain operations, and retain employees.
“WeHo Gives Back is our way of ensuring these establishments receive the support they need to recover and thrive,” Morrill said. “The small businesses of West Hollywood are resilient, but they need our community’s support now more than ever.”
The initiative will utilize QR codes placed on napkins distributed at businesses throughout the city. Customers can donate to a recovery fund by scanning the codes. Online donations are also possible for anyone, regardless of location.
To learn more about “WeHo Gives Back” or to make a contribution, visit www.pledge.to/weho-gives-back.
Embracing this community-driven campaign demonstrates the power of collective action in supporting local businesses and fostering economic resilience during challenging times.
How have local businesses been coping with the revenue declines caused by the wildfires and the subsequent decrease in foot traffic?
Rebuilding West Hollywood: an Interview with Genevieve Morrill, President & CEO of West hollywood Chamber of Commerce
urface following the recent wildfires, with businesses reporting revenue declines of up to 50%. what has the impact been on West Hollywood’s economy, and how have local businesses been coping with this unexpected downturn?
Genevieve Morrill: Like many communities, West hollywood is feeling the ripple effects of the wildfires, despite not being in the direct impact zones. Our local businesses have been coping with a meaningful decrease in foot traffic and revenue as early January. We’ve seen revenue declines ranging from 25% to 50%,which has understandably led to a climate of concern among our business owners.
Understanding the Cause Behind Declines
Archyde: Why have residents and visitors been staying home, leading to decreased foot traffic and revenue?
Genevieve Morrill: I think people are understandably cautious. The past few months have been filled with event after event, from wildfires to global news, which has made people feel unsafe and uncertain. As a result, they’re choosing to stay home, and unluckily, our local businesses are feeling the impact.
WeHo gives Back: A Lifeline for Local Businesses
Archyde: To support this situation, the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has launched the “WeHo Gives Back” initiative. Can you tell us more about this programme and how it aims to help local businesses?
Genevieve morrill: Absolutely. “WeHo Gives Back” is our way of rallying our community around our local businesses. We’re launching this initiative on march 1 to help small businesses offset their losses, maintain operations, and retain employees. we’ll be distributing QR code-equipped napkins at businesses,allowing customers to donate to a recovery fund with just a scan. Online donations are also welcome for those not physically in West Hollywood.
archyde: How can readers get involved and contribute to “WeHo Gives Back”?
Genevieve Morrill: We encourage everyone to visit www.pledge.to/weho-gives-back to learn more about the initiative and make a contribution. Every dollar donated will directly support our local businesses in their time of need.
Fostering Resilience and Community
Archyde: What message would you like to share with the readers about the power of collective action and supporting local businesses?
Genevieve Morrill: Our small businesses are the heart of West Hollywood. They’re resilient, but they need our community’s support now more than ever. By coming together and contributing to initiatives like “WeHo Gives Back,” we can definitely help our local economy not just recover, but thrive again.
