The pandemic economy has affected South Dakota businesses for nearly a year. Large and small operations have faced slow sales, but it’s not all bad news. 

Nathan Sanderson is executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association. He says many businesses are using new tools. 

“If you were a business and you were thinking about doing something online, setting up an online Marketplace, you did. If you were thinking about creating a social media page or enhancing your social media presence, you did.”  

Another business adaptation involves remote operations. 

David Owen is president and chief lobbyist for the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He predicts that location will become less important. 

“We're going to see a growth in the gig economy where people are maybe working for two or three different businesses offering their services. But kind of being more independent about where they're located.” 

Both Sanderson and Owen say, while some South Dakota businesses are struggling, the state’s economy will recover stronger than before.