Ahh, technology. It's both a blessing and a curse. Here in Montana, where your closest neighbor can be a mile or two down the road, it's nice to have options like online shopping.

However, to say it has taken a hit on local business would be a huge understatement.

It seems like the pandemic changed the way that many of us shop. Sure, online shopping was a big deal before, but once we were "quarantined", more and more folks switched to buying most of their items online, putting a huge strain on brick-and-mortar business.

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According to a social media site, several chain stores located in Bozeman could close up shop sometime in 2025. Keep in mind, that this is not my opinion, nor do I claim to have any "inside information" I'm just passing along the message.

Before we go down the list of "potential closures" let's look at some of the most iconic businesses we'd love to see make a comeback.

5 Businesses Montanans Wishes Would Come Back

As most know, Bozeman, Montana is a growing town/city. The population has almost doubled in the last few years, housing prices have skyrocketed, and businesses have either strived or suffered.

The one thing that Bozeman residents all say, is they miss the "old Bozeman". What they mean is they miss the small-town feel, the minimal traffic, and the affordable living. Along with those, there are a few businesses Bozemanites really wish would return.

Here are the Top 5 Businesses Montanans Miss.

Gallery Credit: Megan Shaul, Derek Wolf

Which Bozeman businesses could say goodbye in 2025?

The social media site The View From Earth released a video on TikTok with a list of retailers they believe will close in 2025 and several of those businesses have locations in Bozeman. Below is a list of what they say are the most likely to disappear.

  • Claire's
  • Gamestop
  • Lowe's
  • Victoria's Secret
  • Macy's
  • Kohl's
  • Petco
  • Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts

I have a few issues with the list. First off, there are some businesses that I don't see going anywhere. One of those is Lowe's. I mean, I get it, you can buy certain items, video games, and fabrics online, but a hardware store is one of those places where you want to shop around and see items firsthand.

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Same with clothing. I mean, how do I know if it fits? What if it doesn't? Do I really wanna wait around to send it back and then hope I get the right size the next time?

Now I know what some of you are thinking. "Good riddance!"  Montanans have never been real big fans of "big box stores" and "national chains" but keep in mind those stores employ many locals who depend on those incomes to live.

So fingers crossed our friends on the social site don't know what they're talking about, we need more business in Bozeman, not less.

Credit: The View From Earth, TikTok

Beloved Montana Restaurants No Longer Around

It's never easy saying goodbye to a place you love. Maybe it was your favorite spot growing up, or the place where you had your first date with your spouse. Maybe it was the place you went to each year for your birthday. Montana has lost some legendary local businesses and we take a look at some of the very best.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

4 Things Most Montanans Won't Be Able To Afford In 5 Years

Is the American Dream on life support? It might be according to new information from Yahoo Finance and if that information is true, it looks like it could be bad news for many Montanans. The popular sites came out with a list of things that will be out of reach for most middle-class Montanans in the next 5 years.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

 

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