March Madness is impacting businesses nationwide. In fact, a new study out says 86 percent of employees plan to devote some work time to follow the NCAA tournament.
But while some businesses, like sports bars, may see a spike in sales, office jobs see a spike in absences. Sports fans crowded Cleveland bars Thursday to watch the NCAA games.
Some calling in sick to work, others taking a longer lunch hour, or two. We went to The Winking Lizard in Cleveland and were told by some patrons to keep our cameras away. These sports fans semed to be sneaking out to watch the game during their work day.
Not surprising.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas, which is a company that reports on the latest trends and stats, says online March Madness will cost about $175 million in lost productivity over the first two full days of the tournament alone.
That's because roughly 2.5 million online visitors they say spend roughly 90 minutes a day watching the games.
But what's bad for some businesses may be good for others.
We went to Market Bar in Rocky River and owner John Owen says his sales were up 25 percent last year during March Madness and is hopeful this year does better.
WKYC-TV