Is That Sun I See and Warm Air I Feel?

I think we can all agree, especially those of us living in the mid-atlantic region, that the sights, sounds, and smells of spring are more precious this year than in previous years. The more than four feet of snow that fell within one dismal week at the beginning of February is all but gone, leaving the welcomed sight of blooming daffodils (which are 3 weeks behind schedule)!

What does this have to do with business, you ask? Two weekends ago, the sun was shining and the temperature was in the mid 50′s. It didn’t take me long to notice during a short trip into town that the coffee shops were bustling, stores were crowded, parking was at a premium, traffic was extra congested, and people were, in general, spending.

There’s nothing like a long, cold, snow-covered winter to exacerbate a struggling economy…but it’s finally over (winter, I mean)! The onset of spring brings new hope that the economic doldrums are being pushed farther behind us, and if recent retail activity is an early indicator, it will be a fruitful summer for small business owners. Cheers!