The Impact Of Hybrid Work On Minnesota Businesses

Since the pandemic, that really seemed to ruin almost everything having to do with the economy and a lot of small businesses, especially the restaurant industry has really been suffering. Especially in the downtown community both here in St. Cloud and more so in the Minneapolis downtown businesss. They really depended on the workforce frequenting their bars and restaurants during the work day.

DAYTIME BUSINESS

Pre-pandemic numbers from people in the downtown area were at about 220,000. Since then, after trying to bounce back during the last 5 years, numbers are back around the 150,000 mark. That is about 70% of what it used to be. This is at least an improvement.

TARGET CORPORATE BRINGS BACK IN-OFFICE EMPLOYEES

Minnesota based Target Corporate is one of those businesses bringing back their employees at least in a hybrid situation. They must come into work at least 3 days a week with working 2 days from home.

From KARE 11

"It makes a big difference, especially on this end of Nicollet Mall," said Adam Duininck, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council. "Twelve of our top 15 employers have some in-office policy. Most of them are three days," Duininck said. "Generally, there's been a significant amount of movement in the last year or two of more people being in the office, which is a good sign."

DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES DEPENDANT

The busiest days in that area are Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mostly because the other 3 days are the most popular days for people to choose to work from home. This is at least a good start to getting some business back in the downtown area so that those service industry business might be able to actually stay in business.

This does help us here in this area too - if you head to a concert or sporting event in the metro, it's great to be able to go to some of the bars and restaurants around the area. Definitely a lot less expensive than buying food/drinks at the stadium.

ST. CLOUD

St. Cloud is having that issue too with Capital One closing their downtown St. Cloud location. That also hurt a lot of the service industry right here. Would be nice to have a larget company occupy that building so that downtown St. Cloud can be built up again too.

Get our free mobile app

LOOK: 20 Outside-the-Box Uses for Vacant Big-Box Stores

When a big-box store shuts down, its closure can significantly affect the local community and its economy. In numerous instances, the emphasis has shifted from traditional retail to more experiential opportunities. Let's explore 20 innovative businesses and services that can make the most of these adaptable spaces.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz