The following recommendations are offered based upon on the data collected, analysis, and insights provided by the local team.

1. Explore opportunities to expand offerings in clothing, accommodations, and restaurant categories.

Based on the primary and secondary data, there appears to be some demand that is not being met locally in these categories. To garner additional local dollars, existing firms may consider expanding their offerings, a local entrepreneur might consider starting a business, or the community could work to attract an investor from outside of town to establish a business to serve the needs identified in these categories.

2. Coordinate efforts among existing businesses to address barriers for those interested in shopping locally.

Shoppers often prioritize shopping locally. However, there are often some challenges that, if addressed, would incent them to do more business locally. For example, coordinating consistent hours of operation and extending hours for citizens who may work out of town. This may include modifying hours to be open later during the week or adding weekend hours. This may also include a buy local campaign to reward shoppers for local purchases.

There are a wealth of resources to support you efforts to improve local retail conditions. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Report on Creative Uses for Downtown Buildings by University of Wisconsin Extension: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/innovativedowntownbusinesses/files/2017/03/Creative-Uses-for-Downtown-Buildings-030317.pdf

• Additional research and resources related to supporting retail in communities: https://extension.umn.edu/economic-development/knowing-and-growing-retail-trade

• Information and resources about small business succession: https://extension.umn.edu/community-development/supporting-rural-business-succession