Stampede 2015 could make or break some downtown businesses

Some downtown Calgary businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water, two years after the area was brought to a standstill by the flood.

The economic downturn as a result of low oil prices is being felt in the core.

While there have not been any major store closures, Maggie Schofield, executive-director with the Calgary Downtown Association, told 660News it has not been easy.

“We certainly have been hearing, particularly from the retailers and the restaurants, that business is down,” she said. “Anecdotally, it’s down anywhere between about 15 and 30 per cent.”

Schofield said spending during this year’s stampede is going to be pivotal for some businesses. With oil and gas companies slashing spending on parties, some will be relying on regular diners and shoppers to keep them afloat.

She said restaurants are having to be creative to try to draw in customers with set price meals and other budget savers.

Schofield said another worry right now is the loss of parking spaces outside some businesses, because of construction of the new downtown cycle track.

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