WHITEFISH BAY — Throughout the state's 'Safer at Home' order, TMJ4 News is committed to highlighting local and essential businesses in the service industry that need your help.
At Winkie's in Whitefish Bay, puzzles are in high demand for parking lot pick-up and delivery. A brand new shipment just arrived to keep people plenty busy at home.
Winkie's has been a staple of Whitefish Bay for more than 55 years, but on Monday, longtime customer Don Piper experienced a first. He didn't even have to leave his car to support the store.
"I really do want the ma and pa stores to survive," Piper said. "Winkie's is a classic, a wonderful store."
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Piper is battling boredom at home and thought Winkie's candy and a jigsaw puzzle would do the trick.
"My wife and I are empty-nesters, and we're just sitting there trying to get through it with everyone else."
Due to the statewide stay-at-home order, Winkie's is no longer allowing customers inside, and with that comes a significant blow to business.
"I don't think you can even compare numbers," said co-owner Beth Stuhlmacher. "It's nothing that we could even compare. It's nothing like being open."
Stuhlmacher said her store is considered an essential business, albeit with fewer open hours and employees at work.
"We do have school supplies which a lot of the home school kids are needing now because they're not in the actual classroom," Stuhlmacher said.
But phones aren't just ringing at Winkie's for school supplies. Arts and crafts for all ages are flying off the shelves, from thousand-piece puzzles to birthday balloons.
"They want us here, they want us to stay here, and they're really, really reaching out to us, and it's very much appreciated," Stuhlmacher said.
Winkie's is open for parking lot pick-up or delivery from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day of the week.