Winter Leads to Different Opportunities for Fenton Businesses

During warmer weather, many local seasonal businesses are as busy as last-minute holiday shoppers.

However, as the searing sun gives way to cooler temperatures, some Fenton traditional summer businesses, such as greenhouses and summer camps, change strategies keep their doors open during winter and keep the cash register ringing.

Many local businesses offer new programs, services and products that are in demand during winter months or adjust their hours of operation in the winter. Many use the off-season time to plan for spring as well.

Michael Rogers, vice president communications for the Small Business Association of Michigan, said this is a common practice in tourism-focused small businesses, especially in tourism areas in the western and northern regions of the state.

Well-known for its flourishing greenhouse in the summer and specialty herbs in the fall, during the winter months -- like so many of its customers -- chooses to turn its attention indoors.

“The focus is more on interior decorating,” said Kathy Mathews, who owns Heavenly Scent Herb Farm with her husband, Steve.

The shop is well stocked with gift items, home furnishings, dried floral designs and home décor accessories. The business stays open year-round because customers want it to, Mathews said.

Being open does help with cash flow through the winter months, Mathews said. She added that there are many other benefits: Customers are able to reach staff members after the latest brochure goes out, she shops for new merchandise and the store is redecorated with a fresh look for spring. Because she often works a few months ahead of the calendar, winter tends to fly by, she said.

“Mentally I start thinking about spring in the winter. Before I know it, it’s March,” Mathews said.

Planning ahead

While some businesses may close for the season or relocate to Florida in the winter to gain customers and return to northern Michigan in the summer, others continue to keep their doors open, Roger said. An agri-tourism venue that may shift from corn maze tours in the fall to cross country skiing in the winter was one example he cited.

in Fenton uses off-season time to plan ahead. Store Manager Jim Ray said April through September are a very busy months, so fall and winter gives them time to prepare and get everything ready in time for the start of expo season that kicks into full gear by March.

The store also directs its focus on winter by selling salt products. Michigan Landscape Supply Company is price competitive and carries various salt products, Ray said. The business also sells salt products to contractors in the area. However, the lack of snow and freezing temperatures so far this winter may impact sales of some winter products, Ray said, and he is looking forward for the snowfall to pick up to help spur salt sales and snowplowing efforts.

Being open in the winter benefits the bottom line overall, Ray said. While expenses decrease for items like payroll and fuel in the off season, income gained during the winter months helps with fixed expenses, he added.

Winter fun at summer camp

One might not think of a summer camp as a prime candidate to stay open during the cold weather, but Camp Copneconic remains committed to outdoor education throughout winter.

Brandon Dreffs, school programs director for the camp, said people don’t have to stay inside during the cold weather months if they dress properly. Camp Copneconic runs more than 40 different winter activities for program participants ranging from tobogganing and sledding to cross-country skiing, ice fishing and ice skating. Some are summer activities with a winter twist, like playing capture the flag with snowballs. Another favorite is snow art, where participants create snow sculptures and then mist their creations with colorful water, he added.

“It’s about creating a bond between kids and nature,” Dreffs said.

The camp’s indoor facilities are also the perfect place for retreats and conferences.

While businesses keeping their doors open in the winter means more local employment and local tax revenue, there are marketing benefits to consider as well, said Rogers. Among those benefits are remaining visible to potential customers and being able to promote the busier summer season to boost business.

Of course, summer is never far from the minds of camp staff members. Dreffs said camp dates have been set and registration is already open for summer 2012 camps.

Rogers said small businesses are crucial to Michigan’s economic success.

“Over half of all workers in Michigan are employed at small businesses, so growth in small business employment – which we expect will be robust in 2012, thanks to the Jan. 1 enactment of business tax reform – will make a big impact in improving our unemployment rate,” said Rogers in an email. “Small businesses have a tremendous positive impact on local communities by contributing local wages, tax revenue, stable employment and a positive sense of place.”