Business struggles

Despite this rallying, many local businesses closed their doors for good in 2020, Santa Clara County actually had one of the highest business closure rates in 2020. Linda Ruiz, president of the Willow Glen Business Association and former owner of Park Place Vintage, made the decision this summer to close the shop she had owned for 38 years.

She had a new lease sitting on her desk when the store closed its doors. “I was going to retire anyway in 2020, then I thought I wasn’t ready,” she said. “But then the coronavirus convinced me it was time.”

For most of this year, she’s been able to focus on her role as president of the business association. Although she’s held the role before, she said this year was “uncharted territory.” She’s been trying to keep everyone updated on evershifting COVID-19 regulations and available grants. She said there’s not much else they can do.

“Immediately all goals shift to survival,” Ruiz said. “We’ve been trying to plan things and having to cancel because things were changing weekly or even daily.”

She said the business owners she works with are, for the most part, optimistic about what 2021 may bring.

“People are hopeful but with reservations as to how long it’s going to take. They’re thinking, how long can I hang on?” she said. “This is people’s income. I know people are struggling. I can’t sugarcoat it. People are struggling.”

Hicklebee’s children’s bookstore in Willow Glen