Greater than 100 Seattle companies closed for good due to COVID-19, different points – KIRO 7 Information Seattle

SEATTLE – A new report from the Downtown Seattle Association shows how COVID-19 is affecting businesses not just in Seattle but across Puget Sound.

Around 1,300 stores have closed across the region, including more than 100 in Seattle.

People who visit downtown Seattle told KIRO 7’s Deedee Sun that it’s clear businesses are struggling.

“Ghost town,” said Chester Grays, who works downtown. “It feels empty.”

The DSA report said that many of the 112 Seattle companies that have permanently closed, many have been downtown.

>> PHOTOS: Several shops looted when protests turn into violence

While the news may come as a shock to some, it doesn’t come as a surprise to those who live or work in the area.

“The whole make-up of downtown has changed a lot in the six years I’ve been here,” said Scott Miller, who lives downtown.

The DSA says Seattle built itself to rely on conventions, events, businesses and vacation travel, which is why the pandemic is hitting the region particularly hard.

However, DSA officials say COVID-19 and falling foot traffic have only exacerbated existing problems, including shoplifting and the cost of paying for security.

>> Cars burned, shops looted after protests in Seattle became devastating; Dozens arrested

The only full-service grocery store in downtown Seattle closed on Friday for economic, social, and political reasons.

The DSA says the city will take a collaborative approach to helping businesses cope with the issues they are facing.

The easiest way to help businesses is to give them a hand, as without the big conventions the city is used to hosting downtown, they are forced to rely on local customers.

Cox Media Group