At least 6 Redmond businesses have closed due to COVID-19 impacts

Others, meanwhile, are moving in; strong summer will be key for many

(Update: Adding video, details)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- "For lease" signs and empty storefronts apparently are more present in Redmond's downtown than ever before.

At least six businesses in Redmond have permanently closed due to COVID-19. Cosa Cura, Red Martini and Soup 2 Nuts are a few of the businesses that have shut down in recent months.

"There are challenges in this economy, certainly," Ken Streater, a co-owner of NAI Cascade Commercial Real Estate, said Wednesday. "I have friends that have had to close their business. It's been heartbreaking for a number of people."

But Streater said he has been able to help fill the void that some Redmond businesses have left. In the last couple of months, NAI Cascade Commercial Real Estate has brokered four locations for businesses in Redmond. One of the companies is moving from Portland and bringing its six employees along.

"Central Oregon and Redmond are great places to live," Streater said. "So as people recognize that they can run their business outside of a large metropolis, they are choosing to look here."

Eric Sande, executive director of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, says the future of many businesses will depend on the summer season.

Streater said, "Right now, many businesses are counting on a strong summer season. If we don't have a good summer season, it might be very difficult for businesses to get through the slower winter time."