Businesses cope with snow aftermath

Businesses cope with snow aftermath

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Small business owners around Chicago are clearing the sidewalks of snow in the hopes of luring customers back inside their businesses. 

East 47th Street is plowed but snow is piled up so high and close to the street, that parking is impossible.

Some retailers like clothing and hardware stores are open. Others like beauty supply shops haven’t shoveled the two-foot high snow out front.

Mohammad Khan is part owner of Snyx, a gym shoe boutique on 47th and Prairie. He said Wednesday was the first time he’s had to close since 1997. Khan said he hopes the commercial strip gets plowed better.

“Forty-seventh so far is okay. We need to clean up more especially Prairie Street — that’s messed up. We can’t even go in there. I tried to go in there and got stuck and it took me six or seven minutes to get out from there,” Khan said.

Khan said it’s too bad he’s not getting good foot traffic. He’s got good winter sales – especially on boots.