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NIAGARA -- When the Menominee River Bridge on US-141 shutdown two weeks ago, many people questioned if Niagara businesses would survive.

But thanks to more Niagara residents shopping locally and Michigan customers continuing to come to town, sales, so far, have been strong for businesses like Marcouillers Foods.

"It's a great relief,” said Marcouillers Acting Manager Rob Langsford.  “We're not sailing free or thinking we have it made or anything because there's lots of things coming up, but knowing that this doesn't just cut us off at the ankles has really been a blessing for us."

Even some non-traditional businesses, like Maryhill Manor Nursing Home, said the impact has been low.  The nursing home has daily visitors and routinely takes patients to doctors appointments in Michigan.

"The change is difficult because you have to go to Norway and come up through US-8 or we have to go on N to come from the Aurora side,” said Maryhill Manor Administrator Jana Clement.  “But people have shown up and they haven’t been having any problems."

But others say this may just be the calm before the storm.

Wilson's Auto body owner and Niagara Business Association President Kevin Wilson said customers need to remember Niagara businesses long-term to ensure their survival.

"We're going to be down for a year and that makes a big difference if you lose two percent every month for the long-term,” said Wilson.  “If they continue to go to another location after the bridge comes back, then we will be in trouble."

The bridge is expected to remain closed until November.