Our recent snowstorm and record-breaking temperatures were a boost and even a blow to some businesses.
At Valley Home and Garden Centre in Simsbury, the bitter cold weather is not dampening their business.
“We’ve been very busy, basically getting people supplies,” said James Genovese.
Aside from employees selling typical items of shovels and salt, the recent cold snap means a lot of snow blowers coming in for repair and out for purchase.
“We’ve sold quite a few snow blowers leading up to the storm and also following the storm,” said Genovese. “We had a lot of customers that finally decided it was time to make the plunge and purchase a new snow blower this season.”
This week Valley Home and Garden Centre sold 16 snow blowers, while 12 were serviced Saturday.
Their boost in business is what you might call the polar opposite of how things have been at Joe Pizza in Simsbury.
“It’s been a little rough recently because of the storms, but I’m sure once it clears up we’ll be doing a little bit better,” said server Andrew Droney.
When the snow comes down, people don’t go out.
“It was slow inside the restaurant. Takeout did OK, and our delivery did well, but inside here we didn’t really have many people coming in,” he said.
It’s part of what they expect. Still, rain, shine or snow, Joe Pizza stays open accommodating its customers as best it can.
“We do try and accommodate those who are coming in, seeing as they are giving us business,” Droney said.
For some, a wintery mix can be tough for business, while for others, it’s a lifeline.