More than 900 people in Cadillac, Mich., are out of work. They are worried, and so are owners of other businesses in town. Some have yet to feel a pinch from the layoffs; others are beginning to see a decline in sales.
“For the last two weeks, 100 percent of the people I’ve worked on have talked about it,” said Steve Fowler, a hair-salon operator. “It’s the big, fat question mark: Are they going to be back to work soon or are they going to have to move out of Cadillac?”
Just before Christmas, 551 workers at boat manufacturer Four Winns were laid off.
This month, automotive suppliers were affected by temporary plant shutdowns by automakers. Michigan Rubber laid off 211 workers. Avon Automotive laid off 110 and another 40 at its Manton plant. Paulstra CRC Cadillac laid off 40.
Dave Bednarick said he believes the layoffs already have affected snowmobile sales at his business.
“Last year there was not as much snow but it was busier,” he told the Traverse City (Mich.) Record-Eagle.
Grocery stores have not seen a change in sales, but may actually see an increase if the downturn lasts, said Karen Aylsworth, spokeswoman for Spartan Stores, which owns the Glen’s Market in Cadillac.
“People don’t eat out as much when the economy’s down,” she said.
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jwthompson@tribune.com
