David Aguilar
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For the past five years, Kwirkworld has been selling fun novelty toys and clothing out of their location in downtown San Luis Obispo.
But diminishing profits and increasing rent over the past five years have caused the owners to not renew their lease at 766 Higuera St.
And manager Peter Ray says that the emergence of online shopping like Amazon has also changed the landscape of their business.
“E-commerce changed the scope of brick and mortar stores too, you know,” Ray said. “People don’t need to come in and buy like they used to.”
Although places like Kwirkworld are closing their doors, new businesses are opening up all around town.
New retail stores and restaurants like Wet Seal and Crawdaddy’s have opened up within the last couple of months.
And these new businesses have the support of local organizations, like the Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re here to make sure that we’re doing things that support and enhance the environment in which they can do business here,” said Jill LeMineux, director of membership at the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce.
Supporting local businesses are not the only thing the Chamber of Commerce does — they are also involved with the economic development of San Luis Obispo.
“We become advocates for creating a climate that will be good to do business in,” said Charlene Rosales, director of governmental affairs at the chamber.
They also work to make sure the small town charm of San Luis Obispo stays alive.
“We really strive to maintain that special essence of San Luis Obispo,” Rosales said.