“Winter has been a hit and miss for local retailers,” said Robin Streigle of the Webster City Area of Commerce.

She was quick to say they aren’t discouraged, but trying to offer more ways to bring people back into the stores early in 2026.

There are some stores that are fluctuating their hours, especially in January, when both weather and credit cards are challenging.

“As our retailers head to markets to buy for the 2026 season, some shops may be closed briefly during the day. That investment of time is important–it allows our local businesses to bring back fresh ideas, new inventory, and exciting offerings for the year ahead.”

One of those businesses, Osweilers, owned by Ron and Kathy Birkestrand, is in the midst of ownership change. The Birkestrands announced their retirement last fall with plans to close the store after Christmas. The new owner, Sonia Rosa Rodrigues, who has worked for the Birkestrands for over 16 years, will be official as of February 1. Her grand re-opening will happen sometime in March when the new spring merchandise arrives.

But the closing did not happen after Christmas. With so many storms after Thanksgiving, the store was unable to experience the normal traffic and sales prior to Christmas, so as they looked at their inventory they decided to keep the doors unlocked and have a soft closing and shifting of ownership, allowing shoppers and the staff to continue to do the business that is needed. Currently they close for the lunch hour, and this week they will be gone to market. So the only full day closings will be while they are at market.

That is happening this week. Osweilers will be closed all day Wednesday and Thursday while the Birkestrands and Rodrigues attend market together to select items for the store. Market usually happens five times a year and normally the store would not close, but due to the impending change of ownership, this week is different.

Osweilers will reopen when they return this Friday and Saturday.

We’ve been unlocking the door every day and turning the lights on.,” When we go to lunch we put a sign on the door and tell them when we are back.” “When Sonia takes over ownership on February 1 things will get back to normal.

“When you see a retailer closed for a short time, it’s often because they’re doing the behind-the-scenes work of planning for 2026,” said Streigle, “That forward thinking benefits our entire community.”