GRAFTON, Wis. — A major winter storm approaching Wisconsin is forcing small businesses to make difficult decisions just hours before Small Business Saturday, one of their most important sales days of the year.

The storm is already disrupting travel plans and forcing schedule changes across the region, with many businesses choosing to close rather than risk employee safety.

At SweetTrio Chocolate in Grafton, owner Anette Righi Defendi is deciding whether to close on what would have been her first Small Business Saturday in the community.

"We don't want our staff to drive in any inclement weather. Safety comes first," Defendi said. "It's a bummer. It's our first season here. It's our first Small Business Saturday. We love this community."

The storm has also forced the postponement of Gra

See Full Page