Some experts are forecasting a not-so-wonderful winter for brick-and-mortar retailers and restaurants this year.

Understandably, walk-ins and foot traffic took a nosedive at the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic across the country in early March.

"In April, when everything first broke, there really was no foot traffic," George Balling, who owns the Dinner Party with wife Mary Lancaster, said Friday. "There was so much going on and it was so unpredictable that things did stop."

According to data from Zenreach, a San Francisco-based tech company that produces marketing software used by brick-and-mortar businesses, that nosedive was substantial and has persisted through the subsequent months. Last year at this time, the seven-day rolling average of walk-ins was more than 500,000. The rolling average now is less than 200,000, or 35% of last year's normal.

By the end of 2020, Zenreach predicts retail will drop to 21.5% of the 2019 normal, if this trend should hold.

"Retail continues to evolve and we must be proactive in meeting the changing needs of our customers," Seright's Ace Hardware CEO Brett Seright told The Press.

He said Seright's Ace stores are situated well for the pandemic with the introduction of free or low-cost local delivery in 2019 and have offered “buy online, pickup in store” for a number of years.

"It was an easy transition for us to offer curbside delivery this year to better serve our customers with the unique challenges 2020 has brought," he said. "Fortunately, we have consistently seen increased customer traffic at our three locations over many years and that has continued at an even faster pace in 2020.

"I believe that our model of helpfully serving our neighbors, convenience and the offering of premium and unique brands and products catered to the North Idaho communities we live in has us well-positioned now and in the future, and has proven to be increasingly relevant to our customers," he said.

The Dinner Party also reported good news following pandemic shutdowns.

"Since May, we've been doing great," Balling said. "We've also been very sensitive to what the virus is making people feel. One thing I say is, 'You can’t argue with peoples’ feelings.'"

The Dinner Party, which offers a wide variety of wines, gifts and décor, is at 3510 W. Government Way in Coeur d'Alene. Balling said the Dinner Party has offered complimentary local delivery since it opened 13 years ago. This has come in handy as more customers are requesting alternative ways to shop.

"This year has been really good and our business is up," he said. "It’s coming from a variety of channels, including people who still want to come into the store."

George and Mary acknowledged that certain businesses are being negatively impacted by a decrease in foot traffic and people choosing to simply not go out. Their goal is to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all customers, whether that's in person, online or something in between.

Lancaster said she hopes Zenreach's projected trend doesn't become a reality.

"Hopefully that does not come true, and really all we can do is try to be optimistic and make our product selections as interesting as we can," she said. "Of course we are concerned, but you can’t live and plan your business by being afraid of what happens next."

In the world of action sports, Tri-State Outfitters at 6275 Sunshine St. is actually experiencing an uptick in walk-in traffic. Store manager Carla Grieser said she attributes that to the many families who are looking for things to do outdoors — camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing/snowboarding or athletic sports.

"Brick-and-mortar stores that are selling gear for outdoor entertainment are seeing an uptrend," she said. "Unfortunately with COVID-19 and people having to stay away from crowds, companies like fashion boutiques and fine clothes may be hurting due to families don't need apparel to go out on the town, to concerts or large family gatherings."

Tri-State Outfitters customer Mitch Meyers was in the store to have a Thule roof rack installed on his car. He called ahead to make arrangements.

"I'm not a huge fan of online shopping," he said. "But at the same time, I wanted to support somebody local. I could have ordered these straight from Thule, but these guys will do it too, so I figured I'd pick it up here. I've bought skis from them before."

He noted the store's mask requirement.

"That's going to be the future, until this is over," he said. "Making customers of all ages feel comfortable."

Info: www.zenreach.com