[Dallascaper]

Of the three CT winters I have survived so far, I like this one the most. Not just because I dislike cold and snow, but because the lack of blizzards has benefited the business I run. Unlike last year, which was one blizzard catastrophe after another, we have completed January without a single lost work hour to snow. We are shipping our product on time, hitting our targets, and business is good.

But I wonder what is happening to the seasonal businesses that rely on snow and cold weather. Obviously, they have to be hurting. So in balance, do you think the general economy is better off with the mild winter? What are you seeing?

[kidyankee764]

I think the mild winter is far friendlier to the economy than a cold and snowy winter. A lot of towns have to pay a LOT for sand and salt, as well as overtime for the road crews, gas and maintenance for the trucks, etc. Schools can remain in session meaning parents don't have to take off from work. It's also less stress for commuters in the state.

One can argue that plowing companies, hardware stores and ski resorts are losing money. True for ski resorts, but hardware stores and contractors have other work they can rely on. The contractors I know who plow driveways and parking lots do it as a side job. While great money, it's usually used for pocket cash.

That said, I'm LOVING this winter. I'm perfectly okay with an 8" snowfall that melts in 2 days.

[Lincolnian]

It depends on what economy you are talking about, short term or long? The winters in the northeast affect our water supplies, agriculture, and other factors unique to our geographic area. If the winters continue mild tourist-dependent states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine will see huge losses of jobs supported by winter activities. Many ski areas this winter are struggling and I wouldn't be surprised if a few don't make it to the next season. The restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that support these areas have significantly cut back employees hours or reduced their work forces.

[Dude111]

I think its a good winter so far...... (I was worried it was going to be as bad as last year!!)

[Cambium]

I think it all evens out. Instead of people buying snowblowers, salt and Jackets, they're buying bathing suits, mosquito repellent, and grass seeds.

Landscapers dont mow lawns or blow leaves in winter so some companies rely on snow to generate winter income. They are hurting.

Farmers rely on a snowpack to protect the soil from drying out in winter. They also need the snow pack for the melt in the spring. Winter soils dont soak in Rains. So Farmers are hurting (or going to be)

Ski resorts are hurting. I doubt insurance companies waive the bill when it doesnt snow.

Pharmacies like CVS, Wallgreens see less cold medicine sales.

One thing to always remember, aside from personal winter preference, Roads are fine within 12hrs after a snowstorm. We had blizzards that ended early morning and people were at stores that afternoon.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by Cambium

Landscapers dont mow lawns or blow leaves in winter so some companies rely on snow to generate winter income. They are hurting.

Meh. Most of the landscaping companies down county are using day laborers anyway.


The economy absolutely benefits from having fewer weather "incidents".

[NYisontop]

The warmer winters generally help the municipal budgets, are marginally beneficial to some companies (less lost hours, more shoppers, construction and increased outdoor productivity, less accidents), and detrimental obviously to the winter-related industries like the ski resorts.

I love the winter and have been disappointed this year, but figured we wouldn't have two winters in a row like last year. This one has been milder than anticipated though. I've spent most of January Upstate in western NY, where snow has been few and far between. I'm hoping we have some normalcy in February and March. At least we've still had precipitation which will be beneficial to the regional farms.

[Cambium]

Just wanted to add:

Less accidents cancels itself out. Just means less snow tires bought, less "work" needed to repair the car so less for businesses and economy.

And we need to look at it from a local economic standpoint, not a national, because while one spot is having a cold snowy winter, the rest of country can be warm.

Even plumbers, carpenters, and electricians get work because of the snow and cold. Those repairs and add ons arent seen during warm weather.. Heater installations were the big thing last year...and roofs of course...and frozen pipes..

One last note, lets use hairdressers for example. More cancellations due to snow but they have to refill and squeeze everyone in once the weather gets better.

I think it all evens out.

[wavehunter007]

Originally Posted by Dallascaper

Of the three CT winters I have survived so far, I like this one the most. Not just because I dislike cold and snow, but because the lack of blizzards has benefited the business I run. Unlike last year, which was one blizzard catastrophe after another, we have completed January without a single lost work hour to snow. We are shipping our product on time, hitting our targets, and business is good.

But I wonder what is happening to the seasonal businesses that rely on snow and cold weather. Obviously, they have to be hurting. So in balance, do you think the general economy is better off with the mild winter? What are you seeing?

If you have only lived here for three winters…last winter was a once in a 100 year winter. Granted, this winter has been quite mild in the local area, but last winter was not even close to anything normal in terms of winter weather in the Tri-State area. There has been major crippling snow storms down through the decades in the past and there will be again - but I would not use last year as even a remote guide to winter in CT/NY/NJ.

As far as the economy, the Tri-State (NYC/NJ/CT) is not Vermont/New Hampshire, not the Mt. West, or not ski country like in Utah, northern AZ or CA. There is only a tiny ski industry in CT. The few small ski spots in Connecticut have been struggling for 40 years. One of them (not sure which one, but I think the one in Middletown area) went bankrupt like 4 times because it rains too much and never stays cold enough in CT for them to make any money. With the exception of snowplowing services (who are well aware of the feast or famine nature of snow in the Tri-State area)… very few seasonal businesses rely on snow and cold weather in Connecticut. Towns and cities hate to have to dip into their budget for extra snow removal and the cost for sand and salt. On the other hand, rainy summer, or cool spring is much worse on the local economy on the Tri-State area - people go on fewer trips to places like Mystic Seaport, state parks/beaches, fairs...etc. There are somthing like 10,000 beach cottages on the Connecticut coast, a cool spring/summer is much worse for far more people than a warm winter.

As far farmers, there is more than enough rain in the Tri-State area in winter to keep the ground well watered and farmers actually like a warmer (and drier) late winter/’early spring since dry ground warms faster and they can plant sooner rather than wet ground with cool soil temps that take longer to heat up. A warmer late winter gives farmers and even homeowners are chance to get a jump on the growing season.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Dude111

I think its a good winter so far...... (I was worried it was going to be as bad as last year!!)

The winter is good this year, it was the fall (particularly late October) that stunk. JMHO, Jay