American Science & Surplus is a Milwaukee staple for many science enthusiasts and DIYers. While its online store has closed, its brick-and-mortar locations in Milwaukee and Illinois, remain open under new employee ownership. 

The previous owner, Pat Meyer, started a GoFundMe last year to try and keep the stores open. But when efforts failed to reduce inventory and relocate its warehouse, Meyer stepped down as owner. Now, former store manager Kim Stenglein owns the Milwaukee location. Stenglein spoke with WUWM’s Eddie Morales last December about how a challenging economy is shaping the store’s inventory and future. 

As part of WUWM’s Economic Check-in series, Stenglein shares some of the ongoing and new economic challenges the store is facing.