Warm weather increases in-person sales for local businesses

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The holidays are right around the corner, and with that comes last minute holiday shopping for family, friends, and loved ones. Local businesses say the number of shoppers is up compared to previous years.

 Richard Early, Owner of Paradox Comic-N-Cards, said “Thanks to the weather especially, we got hit by a blizzard at this exact time last year and it wrecked our entire Christmas season, but this year has been going terrific. We started a sale a couple days ago, and we’re on a holiday shopping binge so. ”

Sales are also shifting into high gear just a few blocks away at Zandbroz Variety store. Greg Danz, owner of Zandbroz Variety store, aid “December is always a big time for us. We add a little bit to the staff and hours in December and we beef up the inventory and try to be ready for the biggest shopping month of the year, but that’s pretty normal”

Store managers say weather has been a big factor in driving sales figures higher. So far in December, there have been nicer temperatures staying above freezing, and little snowfall to keep people stuck in their houses.

Early also said, “It’s absolutely the top factor right now. When you have a blizzard and a year ago today was -25 you just don’t have people going out and shopping so that they can take advantage of, and it’s much more tempting to shop on amazon and not get off your couch, but it’s been great this year so ”