Winter storm forces Parkersburg businesses to close, get creative to maintain revenue
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - The winter weather has forced businesses across Parkersburg to close or limit operations, prompting owners to find creative ways to maintain revenue during the storm.Keith McClung, owner of Crown Decor and Gifts, said the weather has significantly impacted small businesses throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.“Like every other small business in the state, probably, but even in the Mid-Ohio Valley, the winter weather has affected us tremendously,” McClung said. “We rely on customer traffic to come in to pay our bills, just like every other small business.”The impact of the snow has been widespread across Parkersburg businesses. Extreme Plumbing remained open but is only handling emergency cases due to slow business and employees staying home.Mountain State Creamery closed Monday after having great sales Friday and Saturday as customers stocked up on ice cream. The business prioritized keeping staff and customers safe.Piggly Wiggly opened but closed early at 6 p.m. because business was slow and weather conditions were worsening.Mike Gribble from Gribble Roofing shifted operations entirely, with staff members snowplowing instead of doing roofing work.Crazybone closed its lobby due to employees having trouble getting to work and numerous customers canceling appointments. The business plans to reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 27, though staff members remained on site to care for dogs staying there. Owner Brett Lyons said the dogs have been playing in the snow.Creative solutions during closuresMcClung said small businesses must be creative during weather-related closures, especially during what is already a slow January sales period.“It’s hard to believe that just a month ago, our store was packed. We had lines at every register and so we already deal with the slow January winter months. So we’re used to that, and we have to be creative,” McClung said. “When you get the weather elements compounded on top of what is already believed as a slow January winter sale season, you have to be creative.”Despite being closed for two days, McClung conducted a live bundle deal sale on social media, a tactic he developed during COVID closures.“I had over 300 people watching and participating in that sale. So that’s what you have to do. You have to be able to be creative,” McClung said. “Think of what can you do to push merchandise out the door when the doors are closed.”Financial challenges for small businessesMcClung described the financial pressures facing small businesses during extended closures.“As a small business and with other small businesses, we’re all on the same ski slope right now and it’s like, what do you do when you have employees who need paid, that you have rent to pay, that you have a lease to pay, or you have a building payment like us to pay?” McClung said.McClung also wrote thank-you cards to the store’s top 200 customers with special coupons and offers.He emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses once the weather clears, particularly with Valentine’s Day approaching.“Support your small businesses,” McClung said. “Once the weather clears and you’re able to get out, choose small first. Shop small first.”McClung said many small businesses are stocked with Valentine’s Day merchandise and have missed peak weekend selling days due to the storm.“I am a big proponent of shop small, shop small all the time. Before you go to the big box retailers, shop small first, go to the diners, go to the restaurants, go to the small business owners,” McClung said.Business owners said community support will be crucial in the coming days as they recover from the weather-related closures.See an error in our reporting? Send us an email by clicking here!Copyright 2026 WTAP. All rights reserved.
