Snow Business Can Mean No Business

As of mid-day last Tuesday, had been open for four hours, but with  flakes flying fast outside, not a solitary customer had come through its doors.

 In more than a half-day of business, the store received just one phone call.

The early part of the year is undoubtedly “a slow time for us anyway,” acknowledged Leah Yaylaian, manager of the Providence Road purveyor of horse equipment, accessories and tack, “but it's even slower now because of the weather.”

Indeed, with snow seemingly settling into a weekly (or even bi-weekly) schedule, customers are nearly an endangered species at many local businesses – while at some others, they're overpopulating.

“It's been worse this year than ever,” said Tina Sontag, owner and manager of Like Yaylaian, she noted that this time of year is usually the slowest for retail, and now “slower than usual” with the weather.

“But we're getting through, we're holding,” she said.

“Usually we have weeks in between, but (this year) it's every week, every couple of days,” said Sontag.

Still, that formula has been a boon to some local businesses.

on Worcester Street, for instance, has experienced a deluge of takeout orders, as more locals hunker down and settle in – often after shouldering shovel-full upon shovel-full of snow.

“In my business, it's positive, when you have more people staying at home, they're ordering out, and placing bigger orders,” said George Georgiadis. “We're just as busy, if not not busier.”

There's even been some “difficulties” keeping up with demand, he said, with the pizza place bringing on a couple extra delivery drivers. The downside to that, though, is the increase in liability, as drivers take to often perilous roads.

“We just do the best we can,” said Georgiadis.

A mantra shared by other local establishments.

“We're running full staff,” said B.J. Noel of , also on Worcester Street. “We're open 365, it doesn't matter.”

She described a slight downturn in business over the past few weeks, but nothing substantial. In fact, she noted that the 33-year-old coffee shop and 10-year-old pub receive the overflow from other area businesses that close down with inclement weather.

The bar was full for lunch Tuesday -- even as the snow came down -- with all the regulars settling into their accustomed places.

“It was more than we expected, put it that way,” said Noel. “They're still coming in.”

Meanwhile, in an effort to entice customers their way, Grafton Country Store is running specials on candles, angels and some toys.

The Saddle Shed, meanwhile, is clearing out its winter inventory, including horse blankets, heated buckets and winter riding gear.

Meanwhile, while things are slow, Yaylaian and her staff have been working on the store's Web site, placing spring orders, and finishing up annual inventory.

“If it's snowing and not good weather for driving,” she acknowledged, “people most likely are only going to go where they need to go.”