Could the business environment in Roseburg be looking up?

ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Some people are asking, "When will this recession end?" Some local businesses say that time is now, and are either opening new stores, or expanding.

New local businesses are springing up all over town, despite the economic climate. "During down periods, customers tend to, quite often, will re-evaluate where they buy," says Alex Campbell, from the Douglas County Economic Development Partnership.

One new shop is filling a niche they say has been lacking in this area. Rock-N-Wings just dropped the chicken in the deep fryer Tuesday, and they've already found a big customer base.

Owner Allison Lian said there was opportunity to fill in our area. "Well, we love chicken wings and obviously there was no wing shack or wing restaurant in Roseburg," she said. "So, I just thought, "Why not open one?""

A few other new businesses are putting their eggs in the retail basket as well.

Just one example, a unique shop called 'Little Miss Cupcake' is coming soon in the Champion Plaza.

At the same time, some existing businesses like Brix 527 say they are expanding.

The Umpqua Business Center, known as the Business Incubator, is scheduled to open doors sometime next week.

Campbell is convinced that when it comes to starting or growing a local business, it all comes down to innovation. "Their ability to market and separate themselves with customer service is probably the more essential ingredient," he said.