OAKLAND — East Bay business owners have reported huge revenue losses and major layoffs amid government-imposed business shutdowns that have begun to gradually ease this week in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, a survey released Tuesday shows.
More than four out of five East Bay businesses — 82 percent — have undertaken layoffs of their workers, according to an East Bay Economic Development Alliance survey of about 2,000 businesses in Alameda County and Contra Costa County.
The unsettling results provide fresh evidence that sketches out how the coronavirus has bludgeoned the frail Bay Area economy.
“Business impacts were severe and immediate” in the wake of shutdowns imposed by state and local government agencies, the survey of East Bay businesses stated. The survey was conducted from April 13 through May 5.
Nearly half — 48 percent — of businesses in the East Bay have laid off 75 percent to 100 percent of their workers, the survey determined.
About one-fourth — 24 percent — said they laid off 10 percent to 74 percent of their workforces.
Just 18 percent of the East Bay businesses surveyed reported they had undertaken no layoffs at all.
“Small businesses have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and many will not survive,” the East Bay Economic Development Alliance stated as part of its report on the survey.
An estimated 34 percent of East Bay businesses said they anticipate they will lose 81 percent to 100 percent of their revenue, according to the survey.
Another 32 percent expect a loss of 21 percent to 80 percent of their revenue.
Only 5 percent of the East Bay businesses surveyed predicted no revenue loss, the economic alliance reported.
The survey arrives at a time when a growing number of businesses, large and small, have become restless and anxious about being able to open before they must cease operations.
Pleasanton-based Specialty’s Cafe & Bakery said Sunday that it would shut its doors due to a disastrous collapse of its business amid the coronavirus.
Pier 1, already bankruptcy, said Tuesday it would close its remaining stores. J.C. Penney intends to close 29 percent of its stores, a revelation coming on the heels of its bankruptcy filing.
“Businesses that are trying to reopen need clear and expeditious guidelines to fulfill health and safety requirements,” the East Bay Economic Development Alliance said in its report. “Employing innovative solutions, such as allowing for more flexible use of space, can help businesses trying to recapture customers and income.”
