Snow drought leaves shelves filled with winter wear, gear
One of the mildest and driest winters on record has been harsh on those whose livelihood depends on regular snowfall.
Winter’s footprints were invisible until last week’s snowfall. But some local businesses may find it difficult to rebound.
Kmart, nationally, experienced slumping sales in November and December 2006. Sales decreased 1.2 percent and apparel sales were negatively affected by the unseasonably warm weather.
At the Valparaiso Kmart on Calumet Avenue, all of the winter clothing is half price.
Several landscaping, fence, asphalt and construction companies provide snow-removal services to supplement their businesses in the winter, but the last two winters have been costly.
Dave Harris, owner of Harris Landscaping in Valparaiso, said the lack of a regular snowfall is worrisome for his business.
“If I’m not working, it’s bad for business,” Harris said. “It’s not a very good business to be in right now. I have downsized my personnel, and my wife even got a side job.”
Harris said about the only thing to do is hold on until spring, when landscaping orders start rolling in.
Michael Fetzer, owner of Fetzer Fence and Snow Removal in Hobart, said he’s noticed a significant drop in snowfall in the last 10 years.
“It’s either global warming or the jet stream and it’s probably a little bit of both,” Fetzer said. “Bottom line, we’re not doing much plowing.”
But he still has hope that the season will revert to normal.
“Like my mom used to say, March could still go out like a lion,” Fetzer said.
Chris Lyda, manager of Hopkins Ace Hardware in Chesterton, said things are looking up at his store — where ice melter and shovels are flying off the shelves at last.
“We’re doing OK, but we’ve definitely been affected,” Lyda said.
Warmer weather has helped Hobart Lumber Co. said co-manager Nicole Haller. “It’s not been too bad because it’s been warm enough for people to work in their yards,” said co-manager Nicole Haller.
At the Goodwill store in Valparaiso, a slew of unneeded winter wear, coats, hats and mittens were still available for sale, but most shoppers were opting for other merchandise.
