Small businesses struggle as construction devastates sales along Hennepin Avenue

In Minneapolis, businesses along Hennepin Avenue have faced significant challenges due to ongoing construction that began earlier in the summer of 2024. This construction has severely impacted the sales and foot traffic in the area, as many businesses struggle to remain profitable. Small business owners like Robert Sorenson of Bobby Bead have reported staggering losses of up to 90% in sales, prompting them to take out loans just to keep their operations afloat. The situation has been particularly dire for eateries and shops that rely heavily on local foot traffic, which has dwindled during this construction phase. As the first phase of the Hennepin Avenue South reconstruction project has now been completed, there is a renewed sense of hope for these businesses. The stretch between West Lake Street and West 26th Street is now open again, allowing for the potential return of customers who may have stayed away due to the construction. Business owners are optimistic that this reopening could restore some of their lost income and customer support, especially with the approaching Small Business Saturday, which in previous years has seen substantial consumer spending. Despite the optimism, concerns remain about the future. The second phase of the Hennepin Avenue reconstruction is scheduled to begin in 2025, which will extend the construction impacts from 26th Street to Douglas Avenue. This upcoming work raises doubts about whether the businesses can fully recover their previous customer bases before facing another potential decline in sales. Business owners are urging community support and hope that consumers will prioritize shopping locally to help them bounce back. Overall, while the completion of the initial construction phase brings some relief, the struggle for survival remains. These small businesses, instrumental in the local economy, are counting on both support from the community and the resilience of their spirits to overcome these challenging circumstances as they transition into the holiday season and beyond.