COVID-19 has undoubtedly left its mark on the world and all of our lives. Communities everywhere have faced hardship and had to adapt quickly to change. Among these are the small businesses that makeup cities around the world.
One of these local businesses here in Laramie is Windy City Pet Store, the city’s only dedicated pet store. Animals ranging from the exotic to every day can be found here, with loads of supplies for practically any pet you can imagine. The business was established in 2016 with daughter and mother pair Colter and Robin Unwin, friendly faces you’re sure to see hard at work when you step inside. Their staff is knowledgeable and friendly, offering advice for any pet care questions and giving assistance.
Deemed an essential business due to the necessity for animal care and resource for supplies, Windy City has managed to stay open during closures.
“We were one of the lucky ones,” Colter states, discussing how they have had to adapt to the ever-evolving guidelines that have been published. “We had to keep our doors open.”
Staying open and supplied in a time of significant shipping delays and constant demand for essentials is no small feat. Colter explains how they have kept in close contact with suppliers to keep stocked. Some items faced long delays, some items staying off shelves for long periods of time. To combat such issues, she states that they’ve been working with many suppliers and mixing and changing brands as needed to keep the shelves full.
Despite facing hardships in this pandemic, Windy City has worked tirelessly to continue to provide for the community. They have currently moved to a new location at 702 S 3rd Street.
America’s small businesses are beacons of ingenuity and community, offering smiling faces and dedicated workers who are passionate about what they do. It is important now more than ever that we continue to support places such as these and show them the love they have shown us all.
