SW Minnesota Today

The economic shutdown due to COVID-19 has rattled countless business owners and workers and many individuals feel conflicted about the closures and stay-at-home order. 

According to Pipestone County Star, Patty Sasker and Tammy Gorter are owners of a retail provider, Geyermans, and were compelled to close their three business locations on March 17 which was eight days prior to the order to shut down. 

Sasker said that they felt it was the right thing to do to close but also acknowledged that it is rough given the fact that the business is her only source of income.

As the owner of the business, Sasker has had to made decisions in regards to purchasing from their vendors. 

“So far, we’ve called all of our vendors and said, ‘We’re closed and we can’t pay you until we open,’” she said.

While the economic downturn is devastating for business owners, there is also the health cost that many will succumb to. 

Sasker and Gorter are happy to do their part in protecting the general public from COVID-19 as much as they can but are struggling under the weight of the financial burden and the failure of the government to provide them with any assistance. 

Sasker is not upset by the mandated closure of businesses, given the data behind how lethal the disease is. She is especially in favor of individuals wearing a mask to protect the general public. 

Currently, Sasker and Gorter are attempting to keep some semblance of a business by operating in an online capacity.

Customers can purchase clothing online at geyermansclothingco.com and can even see a piece of clothing via FaceTime. 

“We’re willing to work with people and do whatever we can,” Sasker said. “Any little thing would help because our income is zero.”

The current projected reopen date of the economy is May 4.