Photo: the corner of Stock Street and Metaphor Avenue

Apart from becoming a hassle for drivers, the construction on Eau Claire's Hastings Way has presented some challenges – both positive and negative – for businesses along that route.

Restaurants, along with retail outlets, have begun to notice the effects of the heavy road construction. Hard to avoid when it’s right outside your front door. Some are taking advantage of the lull in business to remodel their stores, fix things that need fixing, and improve their parking lots. And they’re slightly cheered by the fact that, after all is said and done, the construction will have improved the area.

But for now, it’s a pain. For some, the drop in sales has proven to be more difficult than anticipated. Some have taken to slashing their prices – at least for the time being – in order to persuade customers to brave the construction and take advantage of the bargain prices.

And believe it or not, according to WEAU.com, some businesses are thriving, even with the economic slump and construction barriers. One such business is Muldoon’s Men’s Wear, who reportedly is doing even better business than last year.

Until the roadwork is through (which you should expect to see in the fall), most stores and restaurants are just hanging on, waiting for the construction clouds to break.