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A Stormy Setback
Last Saturday, a wintry tempest swept through Iowa, leading many small businesses to reluctantly close their doors. The snowfall was relentless, transforming what ought to have been a bustling Small Business Saturday into a ghost town.
A Bleak First Attempt
In West Des Moines, the Historic Valley Junction was particularly hard hit by the storm. Shops that had been eagerly anticipating a weekend of heightened sales found themselves thwarted by the harsh weather. While the roads were quiet, Your CBD Store remained open, albeit with a meager turnout.
A Silver Lining
Sales associate Kelly Leydens observed, “It was lots of snow and not very many people. Doordash was good.” Despite the bleak conditions, the silver lining was a noticeable increase in delivery orders.
A Resilient Response
Determined not to let the original date’s disappointment linger, Steve Frevert, the executive director of Historic Valley Junction, took action. He called for a Small Business Saturday 2.0 the following weekend. The decision proved fortuitous as the weather cleared, inviting shoppers to return.
A Surge in Traffic
This time around, the scene was vastly different. Shops along Valley Junction reported a remarkable boost in foot traffic. Maria Abbas, the owner of The Boho Vase and Candle Bar DSM, witnessed an unprecedented turnout. “It’s been non-stop traffic all day,” she enthusiastically reported. Her store was continuously packed with eager customers.
Parking Challenges and Success
Leydens noted, “Sales are super up. It’s like a parking lottery down here on fifth street.” The bustling vibe was palpable, with customers eagerly thronging the shops, eager to relive what they missed the prior weekend.
A Widespread Thrill
Steve Frevert observed the vibrant atmosphere throughout the junction, noting, “Tons of people out and about today.” Many shoppers, including those from out of town, returned to enjoy a shopping experience they missed due to the storm.
The resilience displayed by the local community and small businesses in Iowa is heartening. Embracing a spirit of determination, they turned a bleak situation into an opportunity for success. If you’d like to learn more about the event, click here.
