![](/sites/default/files/styles/article_details_body/public/2020-07/restaurants_and_retail_continue_to_struggle_0.png.jpg?itok=nO-5Mv2w)
Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
More than 140 businesses across the Worcester metropolitan area have closed permanently since the coronavirus pandemic hit, and roughly 100 more have closed temporarily, according to an analysis by the online business site Yelp.
Those closures, which took place between March 1 and July 10, give the most detailed look yet at how Greater Worcester businesses have been hit dramatically by the national recession started in February and the pandemic that followed. According to Yelp, 143 businesses on its site are marked as permanently closed, and another 104 are temporarily shuttered.
Closures include businesses of all types, not just restaurants Yelp is largely known for with its consumer reviews.
[Related: Mass. unemployment claims fall 24%, but still total 18K]
The Worcester metro area, which includes Worcester County and Connecticut's Windham County, had an unemployment rate in May of 14.6%. That rate, the most recent available, exceeds the national rate in May of 13.0% and the Worcester-area rate a year prior of 3.2%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That year-to-year difference translates to 42,500 lost jobs in the region.
Yelp, whose data was released Wednesday, said it found a correlation between states with high consumer activity in May and a subsequent rise in coronavirus cases in June.
Massachusetts has been among the states with the most improved coronavirus case rates, down significantly from a peak in late April. Interest on Yelp for restaurants, bars and gyms in Massachusetts in May was up 7%, the sixth lowest nationally, behind Maine, New York, Alaska, Delaware and New Jersey.
The biggest spike in consumer interest — and an implied return to normal economic activity — took place largely in states that have had more recent spikes in coronavirus cases, including Florida, South Carolina, Alabama and Arizona.
That suppressed economic activity in Massachusetts has kept the state relatively healthy while new cases have remained around record highs nationally. But it has also come at an economic cost. The state's unemployment rate in June of 17.4% was the country's worst.
Yelp reported 132,500 closed businesses nationally as of July 10, 55% of which it said were permanent. Massachusetts ranked 14th highest nationally for the rate of temporarily or permanently closed businesses at roughly 7 per 1,000 businesses.
Restaurants and retail have been hit hardest nationally, according to Yelp. More than 26,000 restaurants have closed, 60% of which are permanent. In retail, 48% of roughly 26,000 businesses have closed for good.
I take exception to the use of the word "recession" in the title. For last several months, since the government overreach has allowed businesses to reopen, there are been a steady decline in unemployment and increase in business revenue. That is not a recession to me!
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
1 Comments